World Tourism Day 2027

Observed on 27 September, World Tourism Day explores how travel affects economies, communities, culture and the environment. UN Tourism uses the occasion to encourage accessible, responsible tourism that benefits host communities and protects heritage.

World Tourism Day is observed on 27 September to examine tourism's social, cultural, economic and environmental role. The World Tourism Organization's General Assembly decided in 1979 to establish the day, and it was first celebrated in 1980. The date recalls 27 September 1970, when the statutes of the organisation that later became UN Tourism were adopted, an important step in formal international cooperation on tourism. Each year a theme focuses attention on a major issue such as sustainable tourism, rural development, employment, digital change, accessibility or peace. The observance recognises tourism's ability to support jobs, local businesses and cultural exchange, while also examining pressures it can place on communities, heritage sites, ecosystems and infrastructure. Governments, tourism bodies, educational institutions and destinations mark the day with conferences, cultural programmes and public campaigns encouraging travel that is economically beneficial, respectful of host communities and increasingly environmentally responsible.

Recognises tourism's role in livelihoods and intercultural understanding while urging fair local benefits, accessibility, heritage protection and lower environmental impact.

A secular awareness day, not a religious festival: tourism forums, destination heritage walks, accessibility workshops, community-led cultural programmes and responsible-travel campaigns; activities vary annually.

Worldwide on 27 September. UN Tourism selects annual themes and sometimes a host country; local events and policies differ. The date recalls the adoption of World Tourism Organization statutes in Mexico City in 1970.