This article is reviewed regularly (on a monthly basis) by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
Tourism is an often activity for recreational purposes and has become an essential part of our life. It is also one of the fastest-growing industries that significantly contributes to the world’s GDP.
World Tourism Day is the global observance day to foster awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political, and economic value. Read on to find out how and when will World Tourism Day 2021 be celebrated.
What is World Tourism Day?
World Tourism Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of the tourism sector and its impact on our society. Given that over 90% of world heritage sites closed due to the pandemic last year and young people in rural communities were unemployed. This year, World Tourism Day highlights tourism’s unique ability to ensure that nobody is left behind as the world begins to open up again and look to the future.
The official celebration of World Tourism Day 2021 will be observed at Côte d’Ivoire (popularly known as Ivory Coast in West Africa). It will be centered around the theme “Tourism for inclusive development”. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has designated this year’s theme to resonate with the revival of the tourist sector. It will be an opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that, behind every number, there is a person.
The UNWTO has urged its Member States and non-members, sister UN agencies, businesses, and individuals to celebrate tourism’s unique ability in guiding the global sector towards inclusive recovery and growth.
World Tourism Day 2021 date
World Tourism Day is celebrated annually across the world on 27 September. It was on this day in 1970 when the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism.
Tourism Day 2021 around the world
The UAE
The UAE will celebrate World Tourism Day on 27th September. It has become one of the fastest recovering countries from the crisis. The UAE has gradually resumed regular activities in the tourism sector and started welcoming tourists from around the world. The country also announced that fully vaccinated tourists will be allowed to enter the country. The UAE is expecting a promising tourism season for the Expo 2020 Dubai, which is one of the most important and influential events in the world.
Australia
For World Tourism Day 2021, Sydney tourism operators in Australia have united in a show of solidarity to invite people to revel in #jola (aka the joy of looking ahead) as so many businesses prepare to reopen their doors.
The Sydney Visitor Collective, made up of tourism operators and attractions such as Sydney Opera House, Bridge Climb Sydney, Taronga Zoo Sydney and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, is channelling the #jola phenomenon to revitalize the economy.
India
Along with other countries, India too will be observing World Tourism Day through various events scheduled throughout the day. One of the initiatives includes signing a three-way MoU among the Government of India, tourism ministry, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and the Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI). This will be done to actively promote and support ‘sustainability initiatives’ in the tourism sector of each other.
Egypt

© Flickr
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced a promotion campaign in celebration of World Tourism Day. The campaign was held over 27 days to promote tourism across Egypt’s governorates. Posts on the ministry’s website and social media accounts showcased the beauty of the 27 governorates and what they have to offer for tourists. The campaign targets a large segment of potential travellers, as it was launched in 14 languages.
China

Shanghai skyline in sunny day, China
The Macao Government Tourism in China organizes an array of activities, including the popular fun-filled annual Tray Race. The participants from hotels and restaurants balance a bottle of beer on a tray whilst running from the Ruins of St. Paul’s to Senado Square. The events in China Macao also include a prize presentation ceremony for “Incubation Plan for Macao’s KOL in Tourism” and performances.