By Susmita Ghosh
Every year on September 27, the world comes together to celebrate World Tourism Day, a reminder of how travel connects people, cultures, and nations. Tourism is not just about holidays—it is about building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating opportunities. For students and young learners, including those in schools across India and beyond, this day is an important lesson in how travel shapes economies, promotes peace, and strengthens global friendships.
World Tourism Day was first established in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Since then, the day has grown into a global occasion celebrated in every corner of the world through festivals, conferences, and educational events. The Theme of 2025 is ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.’ It focuses on sustainability and global cooperation, reminding the world that tourism must be inclusive, responsible, and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
While enquiring Mr Kirit Popat, TNM Forum’s and Netpal Solutions, Co-Founder, What Tourism means to him, he expresses, “For me, tourism is not about travelling and adventure only. It gives an opportunity to explore diverse cultures and venture out of my comfort zone to connect with different people, nature and the environment.”
“Each journey makes me more responsible towards sustainable tourism, to protect our planet Earth for future generations. It gives us immense pleasure to celebrate the beauty of the world while creating memories that last forever,” adds he.
The celebrations highlight many ways in which tourism contributes to society. It creates jobs, sustains small businesses, preserves traditions and heritage, and brings communities together. Tourism also plays a vital role in the global economy, generating billions of dollars annually and supporting millions of livelihoods, particularly in developing nations where it serves as a lifeline for local communities.
“According to me tourism has important economic, social, and personal lifetime benefits for all. It inspires local economies and creates jobs, promotes cultural understanding and contributes to personal well-being through new skills and self-care. Tourism provides us the opportunity to discover and practice the vast ancient heritage of our country and worldwide. However, when tourism is viewed as a mere search of pleasure and status rather than a cultural heritage, it also spots environmental and cultural challenges,” explains Mr Basant Kumar Kushwaha, Director, Maa Jagdamba Tour and Travels, Jaipur and Central India Zonal Convenor, TNM Global FORUM.
The day is marked in schools, universities, and cultural institutions as an occasion to learn and reflect. Students take part in debates, essay writing, and creative projects, while governments and organizations host exhibitions, fairs, and awareness campaigns. Social media comes alive with greetings, photos, and reflections, all carrying the spirit of travel and unity.
Mr Katuri Srihari, Founder & MD of GODAVARI Tours & Travels, Kakinada, Chapter Chairman of Andhra Pradesh, TNM Global Forum elucidates, “Tourism is a dynamic industry that requires the ability to adapt constantly to customers’ changing needs and desires, as the customers’ satisfaction, safety and enjoyment are particularly the focus of tourism businesses.”
As tourism continues to evolve, the future looks both promising and challenging. Technology is reshaping the way people travel, with innovations like virtual reality tours, digital platforms, and eco-tourism experiences opening new opportunities.
“Tourism has a different thought process for every traveller. It is constantly progressing with the new generations’ outlook and also with technological advancement leading to information overload. The human social structure shapes tourism of present day. Hence, we need to make travel packages keeping the travellers’ needs and his intellectual quotient intact. The travel trade needs to be upgraded and should diversify,” mentions Brigadier K. Birendra Singh, ABTO, National Patron and Advisor.
“The aspects which should be incorporated presently is to place TOURISM as a need to develop human intelligence and enhance the human capabilities, be it physical or mental. The most important thrust area is domestic tourism, a thriving economic boost within India. Be Vocal for Local,” he further says.
At the same time, there is a growing call for responsible travel that minimizes environmental impact and maximizes community benefit.
“Tourism empowerment is the empowerment of the people as peace and tourism goes hand in hand for prosperity, the well-being of the countrymen mentally and financially. But as tourism experts, it’s not only our profession, but also ‘our passion’ – the passion to connect people. We always emphasize on sustainable tourism as it brings people together to connect,” asserts Mr Manish Kelkar, Proprietor, B G Tours and Travels, Pune, Chapter Chairman, Maharashtra, TNM Global FORUM.
“When we visit Egypt or Srilanka, there are many words similar to ours. When we visit Azerbaijan the ruins of temples make us emotional. Singapore, Dubai always gives us rich and royal feelings. The traditional Kerala and temple trails of Karnataka and Tamilnadu add on charm to our tourism. The Buddhist Circuit of Maharashtra attracts lot more attention, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are best in winters always attract tourists, the list is endless,” he further adds.
World Tourism Day 2025 is more than just a celebration; it is a call to action. It urges us to value diversity, respect cultures, protect the planet, and recognize the role of tourism in building a peaceful and sustainable world.
“On this World Tourism Day, we celebrate the delight of travel and remember the responsibility it carries. Besides all, tourism must be conscious, eco-friendly and sustainable starting from reducing waste to supporting local communities and restoring monuments to promoting green practices,” says Mr Virendra Shekhawat, Secretary, Rajasthan Chapter, ADTOI.
“I have taken an initiative to bring all travel fraternity and associations in one platform—working collectively with the common objective of increasing tourist volume and generating higher revenue for the state,” concludes he.
As we mark this day, let us remember that every journey is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to connect with humanity in its richest and most diverse forms.
“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell.”