51³Ô¹Ï

a collage that includes a person taking a photograph, a lady celebrating Day of the Dead, and a mosque.
Tourism is one of the world¡¯s most important economic sectors. It employs one in every ten people on Earth and provides livelihoods to hundreds of millions more.
Photo:UN Composition with photographs under Creative Common license.

Tourism as an instrument for peace

Tourism, often highlighted for its role in economic development, also plays a significant role in fostering peace. On a global level, where nations are interconnected and interdependent, Tourism, an industry made by people and for people, emerges as a compelling and dynamic force to defy stereotypes and challenge prejudices.

This sector can be perceived as the epitome of intercultural dialogue; it allows meeting the "other", learning about different cultures, hearing foreign languages, tasting exotic flavours, bonding with other human beings, and building tolerance. In essence, it is a mind-broadening educational and spiritual experience.

World Tourism Day 2024, under the theme "", wants to highlight the vital role of this sector in fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures and in supporting reconciliation processes.

Tourists shaking hands

The UN World Tourism Organization has prepared a where digital materials will be available soon and where you for World Tourism Day!

World Tourism day Logo 2024

Did you know?

  • Countries with a more open and sustainable tourism sector tend to be more peaceful.
  • Tourism spreads philanthropy and leads to regional cooperation. For instance, some African countries are implementing an open visa policy for members of the African Union to encourage the free movement of people and boost tourism and trade. Travel and tourism in Africa are now forecasted to rise.
  • Tourism aids Post-Conflict Recovery.

After successfully reclaiming her people¡¯s territory in Quebrada de Humahuaca, Northern Argentina, Celestina ?balos turned to tourism to share and promote her indigenous culture. ILO entrepreneurship training during the COVID-19 pandemic helped her business to grow.

More stories

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a leading UN international agency in the field of tourism. Its mission is to promote tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. Discover how they are working to cope with this pandemic along with the tourism sector and other UN agencies. 

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the 51³Ô¹Ï, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.