Global Tourism Resilience Day: For Better and Stronger Tourism
Every February 17, Global Tourism Resilience Day draws attention to the importance of sustainable and resilient tourism. It unites individuals, businesses, and governments in preparing and supporting this vital sector in emergencies. Read on to learn more.
Key Info: Global Tourism Resilience Day
- When is Global Tourism Resilience Day?
Occurs annually on the 17th of February - This Year (2026):
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (date has passed) - Official Website: Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre
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Future Dates
- Wednesday, February 17, 2027
- Thursday, February 17, 2028
- Saturday, February 17, 2029
- Sunday, February 17, 2030
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Additional Details
- Observed By: Tourism organizations, governments, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders
- Where Is It Observed: International
- Primary Theme: Tourism Sustainability and Recovery
- Hashtags: #GlobalTourismResilience #TourismResilience #SustainableTourism #TourismDay #GTRCMC
Quick links: Global Tourism Resilience Day
Why Global Tourism Resilience Day Matters
Tourism resilience is the ability of a tourism destination to endure economic downturns or natural disasters while maintaining its core function.
Many small island developing states, middle-income countries, and many developing countries rely on tourism as a major source of income, but they are also most vulnerable to disasters.
Hence, tourism resilience drives economic growth, sustains livelihoods, and cultivates cultural exchange in adverse conditions, promoting rural development.
Global Tourism Resilience Day highlights the vital sector's need to bounce back. It starts a dialogue on the importance of sustainable practices to ensure tourism's survival and positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities.
Data and Statistics
The United Nations World Tourism Organization reports international tourist arrivals decreased by 74% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This affected the economic contribution of inbound and outbound tourism at all levels, dropping to $2.86 trillion in 2021.
The World Travel and Tourism Council's data showed that tourism accounted for 9.1% of the world's GDP and 27 million new jobs in 2023, all below pre-pandemic levels but higher than the previous year.
A study found that tourism's carbon footprint is four times bigger than previously thought, amounting to 4.5 billion metric tons or 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Importance of the Tourism Sector
- Tourism generates income from tourists' purchases of goods and services. This foreign revenue often contributes significantly to a country's total GDP.
- The sector supports millions of jobs, both directly and indirectly. Direct employment occurs in hotels, transportation, restaurants, and entertainment venues. In contrast, indirect employment occurs in the food production and retail sectors.
- It provides opportunities for tourists to learn about and appreciate different cultures, traditions, and ways of life.
- Tourism encourages the preservation of traditional customs, arts, crafts, and festivals that might otherwise be lost. In many tourist destinations, aspects of the local culture have become attractions.
- Tourism generates revenue for protecting and managing natural areas. National parks and wildlife reserves protect biodiversity and attract tourists.
Brief Timeline of Global Tourism Resilience Day
Global Tourism Resilience Day was first proposed at the UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu, China.
The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCM) was established at the University of the West Indies. It aims to conduct policy-relevant research and analysis on tourism-related resilience and crisis management.
The UNWTO and GTRCM launched the Tourism Resilience Virtual Reality Campaign to raise awareness about the importance of resilience in tourism through virtual reality technology.
The UNWTO released a special resolution on 'Fostering Tourism Resilience' in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing the importance of resilience and crisis management in tourism.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted A/RES/77/269, formally establishing Global Tourism Resilience Day. Member states must develop national strategies to adapt to tourism disruptions, among others.
The first observance kicked-off with the theme "Navigating the Future of Tourism Resilience."
Celebrate Online With Hashtags
- #GlobalTourismResilience
- #SustainableTourism
- #EcoTourism
- #ResilienceDay
- #TravelWithPurpose
Conclusion
Tourism resilience shows us the need to balance wanderlust with responsibility for the planet. Global Tourism Resilience Day promotes mindful travel, encourages respect for local customs, and contributes to economic growth in visited places.
Resources:
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
It enhances sustainability following an ecological or environmental disaster and provides an alternative approach to sustainable development as part of recovery from tourism-induced stress.
This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable tourism practices while promoting local culture and respecting nature.
It allows the tourism sector to recover quickly when facing various challenges and crises.
You can spread awareness, participate in relevant events, and advocate sustainable tourism practices.
These challenges include natural disasters, climate change, overtourism, and socio-political instability. These factors inhibit tourism from fostering economic growth and, more importantly, inclusive economic growth.
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
