Global Tourism Resilience Day
Imagine the world bustling with travelers, from snowy peaks to sunny beaches, all exploring, learning, and connecting. Then, suddenly, a global pandemic hits, stopping everyone in their tracks. Airports turn into ghost towns, and once-crowded markets stand silent.
This is the backdrop against which Global Tourism Resilience Day emerges. It’s a call to action, reminding us to prepare, adapt, and strengthen the tourism sector against future shocks.
On February 17th, communities, governments, and businesses unite, sharing knowledge and strategies to make travel more sustainable and resilient. It’s about turning challenges into stepping stones for a brighter, more adventurous future.
Global Tourism Resilience Day, celebrated every year on February 17th, is a significant occasion that highlights the importance of sustainable and resilient tourism.
This day was chosen to encourage the global community to focus on building a more robust tourism sector capable of withstanding various challenges, from natural disasters to pandemics.
The United Nations General Assembly, supported by over 90 countries, established this day following a proposal from Jamaica. They recognized the need for a collective effort to enhance the tourism industry’s resilience.
The day serves as a call to action for building capacity and fostering a greater consciousness about the significance of resilient tourism.
History of Global Tourism Resilience Day
Global Tourism Resilience Day marks a significant point in the history of global tourism. It addresses the need for the tourism sector to quickly recover from various global crises.
Celebrated for the first time on February 17, 2023, this day was established by a United Nations General Assembly resolution led by Jamaica. The idea behind the day is to encourage nations worldwide to build a more robust, resilient tourism industry capable of facing future challenges.
The day serves as a reminder of tourism’s vulnerability and the importance of preparing for unforeseen events. It emphasizes capacity-building, awareness, and the adoption of practices that ensure tourism’s sustainability and resilience.
This initiative has received support from over 90 countries, highlighting its global significance and the collective effort to safeguard one of the world’s major economic sectors.
Jamaica has been lauded for its leadership in initiating the Global Tourism Resilience Day, with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General praising the country’s efforts.
The initiative is seen as a legacy project that aims to prepare countries better to deal with tourism crises, such as pandemics and natural disasters. This day also provides a platform for sharing best practices and expertise in crisis management, contributing to a more resilient future for global tourism.
How to Celebrate Global Tourism Resilience Day
Celebrating Global Tourism Resilience Day offers a unique opportunity to highlight the strength and recovery of the tourism sector. Here are some engaging ways to mark the occasion:
Educational Workshops: Attend or organize workshops on crisis management within the tourism industry. These can be particularly useful for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and future tourism entrepreneurs.
Support Local Tourism: Plan a visit to local attractions or tourism businesses. This not only boosts local economies but also helps you understand and appreciate the resilience of local tourism sectors.
Share Knowledge: Use social media or blogs to share stories of resilience and recovery in tourism. Highlighting successful rebound stories from crises can inspire others and spread awareness.
Promote Sustainable Practices: Advocate for and adopt sustainable tourism practices. Sustainability is key to resilience, as it ensures tourism can more effectively withstand and recover from challenges.
Volunteer for Conservation Projects: Many tourism destinations rely on natural beauty and biodiversity. Volunteering for conservation projects helps protect these assets, contributing to tourism resilience in those areas.
