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32 ECONOMY AWEMainta Dialuna, 2 October 2023
World Tourism Day 2023 Highlights
Tourism’s Role in Sustainable Growth
TOURISM has never held greater significance for our
economies and societies than it does today. Its potential
for driving growth is immense. On this World Tourism Day,
we not only celebrate tourism’s capacity to foster economic
development but also underscore the critical need for invest-
ments that ensure this growth is both inclusive and sustain-
able.
Under the banner of “Tourism and Green Investments,” the
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is
gearing up for World Tourism Day 2023.
This year’s focus revolves around the essential aspects of: Investment for Prosperity: Encouraging investments in
Investment for People: Prioritizing investments in educa- innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship to boost the
tion and skills to empower individuals within the tourism tourism industry’s prosperity.
sector.
The spotlight event will take place in Riyadh, where UNWTO
Investment for Planet: Channeling resources into sustain- will unveil its Global Tourism Investment Framework. A
able infrastructure and accelerating the transition toward series of high-level panel discussions will tackle the chal-
eco-friendly practices. lenges and opportunities linked to investments in tourism.
Additionally, the official celebrations will announce the
winners of the inaugural UNWTO Women in Tech Startup
Competition for the Middle East, highlighting the pivotal role
of women in advancing tourism through technology.
World Tourism Day 2023 is set to be the grandest cele-
bration yet, with UNWTO welcoming representatives from
over 100 Member States, including more than 50 Tourism
Ministers. The event will also feature prominent figures from
the private sector within the tourism industry, hailing from
both the Middle East region and across the globe.
The inception of World Tourism Day dates back to 1980,
establishing it as a global day of observance for the tourism
sector. This occasion offers an invaluable opportunity to
recognize the sector’s vital role in promoting peace and
prosperity.
UNWTO’s global regions take turns hosting the official
celebrations, each centered around a pertinent and timely
theme.
As we mark World Tourism Day in 2023, we renew our
commitment to harnessing the potential of tourism for the
betterment of our societies, economies, and the planet, with
a strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusive growth.
