As the 2023 World Tourism Day approaches, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, shares a compelling message that underscores the significance of this occasion
According to unwto.org, tourism wields a remarkable influence, fostering progress and fostering mutual understanding among diverse cultures and societies.
However, to harness its transformative potential fully, it is essential to safeguard and cultivate this force, ensuring that it thrives and continues to enrich our global community.
Tourism is a pillar of our economies. It plays a central role in our societies and in our individual lives.
And it offers solutions to some of our biggest challenges – including the climate emergency and the urgent need to shift to more sustainable economies.
The power of tourism is enormous. But it is not a force that can be taken for granted.
Instead, it must be supported, above all with investment.
This World Tourism Day we recognize the theme of Tourism and Green Investments.
The theme could not be more timely.
2023 was the hottest year on record. And extreme weather events like heat waves could become the new normal.
Tourism needs to adapt. For this, we need to rethink how our sector is financed.
We need to make it easier for investors of all kinds to support tourism projects with the potential to make a difference.
Looking further ahead, we need investments that can empower tourism to build a better and fairer future for all.
Once again, I wish you all a peaceful and inspiring World Tourism Day.
Zurab Pololikashvili
