When we think of tourism, our thoughts on it can go far back into the developments of early human civilizations, back to when people started moving from one point to another in an effort to sell their wares. Perhaps we can think of the services set up to support trade along the Silk routes in Asia or of the support system set up for military and industrial transportation throughout the Roman Empire.
Our industry, tourism, is one with a history measured in millennia. Yet, we remain an industry still in early development.
Thirty one years ago on September 27th, the United Nations adopted the statutes of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Being accepted and recognized at such an international level brought focus to tourism as a worldwide industry. Ten years later, September 27th was celebrated by the UNWTO as World Tourism Day as a focal point to continue bringing attention to our industry.
According to the UNWTO, last year alone, over 940 million world tourists travelled outside of their home countries. They interacted with people of different backgrounds and histories, experienced new foods and traditions, and appreciated art, language and music not found in their own countries. These experiences speak to the importance of labelling World Tourism Day 2011 with the theme “Linking Cultures”.
Speaking on the importance of culture, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai said last month,
“Culture is one of our most precious assets and needs protecting. As we launch World Tourism Day 2011, I call on all people to conduct tourism in a way that preserves and enriches the cultural wealth of the world for future generations.”
As more people cross borders, our appreciation for culture and heritage grows. Some believe that increased global peace may actually be positively influenced through a growth in international tourism. Whether or not this lofty goal is realistic, we can surely understand that increased knowledge of other cultures no longer allows us to speak in abstracts. It is much harder to ‘other’ those from countries once we have experiences their culture and enjoyed their hospitality.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sends out this message for World Tourism Day 2011:
“World Tourism Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of tourism to global well-being. As we travel, let us engage with other cultures and celebrate human diversity. On this observance, let us recognize tourism as a force for a more tolerant, open and united world.”
On this day of recognition, take some time to reflect on the importance of cultural understanding as a bridge leading to tolerance. Take a few moments to engage with other cultures in your workplace, your customer base, or in your classroom. Most importantly, commit to celebrating the diversity of the human experiences that we are so fortunate to be surrounded by.
Happy World Tourism Day!
