World Tourism Day 2015 to Spotlight Tourism’s Ability to Drive Positive Change

“One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities” will be the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day on 27 September 2015, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

World Tourism Day is a day set aside in the United Nations calendar to honor tourism; a sector driving economic growth and development worldwide.

“Every time we travel, for whatever reason, we are part of a global movement; a movement that has the power to drive inclusive development, create jobs and build the sustainable societies we want for our future; a movement that builds mutual understanding and can help us safeguard our shared natural and cultural heritage”, the UNWTO said in an announcement.

The purpose of World Tourism Day is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The event seeks to address global challenges outlined by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to highlight the contribution the tourism sector can make in reaching these goals.

This year, the UNWTO is inviting all to talk tourism through social media and via the hashtags #1billiontourists and #WTD2015.

“This year on the 27th of September, we want you to talk Tourism. Help us raise awareness of the important impact tourism has on countries and communities around the world and its potential as a force for good, creating a better world for all.”

The official celebrations for World Tourism Day this year will be held in Burkina Faso in West Africa.