World Tourism Day 2020 Image: September 27 is celebrated as World Tourism Day every year
World Tourism Day 2020: Livelihood of millions of people globally are dependent on tourism. There are countries where tourism and industries dependent on it are the biggest revenue earner. Travel and tourism is one of the worst-hit sectors amid the pandemic-forced sudden lockdown earlier this year. Tourism-dependent states across India like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala among others have opened up the tourism sector and relaxed Covid rules for tourists. Wearing masks and maintaining social distance are mandatory but the hassle of paperwork and online e-passes have been removed.
"On this World Tourism Day, the COVID-19 pandemic represents an opportunity to rethink the future of the tourism sector, including how it contributes to the sustainable development goals, through its social, cultural, political, and economic value. Tourism can eventually help us move beyond the pandemic, by bringing people together and promoting solidarity and trust - crucial ingredients in advancing the global cooperation so urgently needed at this time," the United Nations said.
World Tourism Day 2020: Theme
World Tourism Day this year focuses on "Tourism and Rural Development". The theme encourages the celebration of the unique role played by tourism in job creation outside of the big cities. It also in a huge way helps in the conservation of cultural and natural heritage of nations.
World Tourism Day amid the pandemic this year has a crucial role to play. Amid job loses, tourism can to drive economic recovery and generate work in the rural sector.
World Tourism Day 2020: Facts
"Tourism is a lifeline, offering young people a chance to earn a living without having to migrate," according to the World Tourism Organization, A United Nations Specialized Agency. (UNWTO)
- Tourism employs one in every ten people on Earth
- Due to COVID-19, 100-120 million direct tourism jobs are at risk
- Young people in rural areas are three times more likely to be unemployed
- Latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer shows that the near-complete lockdown led to a 98 per cent fall in international tourist numbers in May when compared to 2019
- 56% year-on-year drop in tourist arrivals between January and May
- Fall of 300 million tourists and US$320 billion lost in international tourism receipts - more than three times the loss during the Global Economic Crisis of 2009
World Tourism Day 2020: A look at some of the best tourist destinations in India - Dekho Apna Desh (See your own country)
World Tourism Day 2020: Best wishes for safe travelling. Don't forget to wear masks and carry hand sanitizers.