World Tourism Day has been celebrated since 1980 on September 27, the day in which the Statutes of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) entered into force. Peace and Dialogue, Energy, Accessibility, World Heritage and Water and Tourism have been some of the themes of previous World Tourism Day events.
This year’s World Tourism Day, due to be held on 27 September, focuses on Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development. Celebrated in line with the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the day will be dedicated to exploring the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In Tanzania, Elewana Collection and Land & Life Foundation are proud to be hosting East Africa’s sole evening event on Friday 29th September at Arusha Coffee Lodge to mark this special occasion.
The origin of the company name Elewana comes directly from the Kiswahili word meaning ’harmony’ and ‘understanding’, a concept that underpins the company philosophy and influences the delivery of unforgettable safari experiences. Elewana strives to exist in harmony with the environment and surrounds, which is why this year the company is delighted to be hosting the UNWTO celebration in Arusha.
Representatives from the top tier of Tanzania’s travel and tourism industry will come together, mingling with government and non-government industry stakeholders, to celebrate the achievements in community and conservation and the strides taken in sustainable tourism in Tanzania. Members of the Tanzanian Association of Tour Operators (TATO), the Hotel Association of Tanzania (HAT) and Responsible Tourism Tanzania (RTTZ) will also be joining the party.
The official celebrations of World Tourism Day 2017 will be held in Qatar. The event will be structured around two sessions, focused on ‘Tourism as a driver of economic growth’, and ‘Tourism and the Planet: committed to a greener future’. In addition, a high-level think tank will be conducted with the aim of opening the debate on the potential of the sector to enhance cultural preservation and mutual understanding.
“Last year alone, 1.235 million travellers crossed international borders in one single year. By 2030, this 1.2 billion will become 1.8 billion. The question, as we celebrate World Tourism Day 2017, is how we can enable this powerful global transformative force, these 1.8 billion opportunities, to contribute to make this world a better place and to advance sustainable development. This World Tourism Day, whenever you travel, wherever you travel, remember to respect nature, respect culture and respect your host,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai.
Join us in celebrating this special day! #WTD2017 #IY2017 #TravelEnjoyRespect #SDGs
