Tbilisi News

Why is peace the theme of World Tourism Day 2024 and who is speaking?

We must urgently stand up for peace,” says Pololikashvili, arguing that “the global tourism family” is uniquely well placed to do so.

“Ours is the most human sector. Every journey leads to a connection. Tourism brings the world together and closer. Tourism builds trust and respect.”

An estimated 285 million tourists travelled internationally in the beginning of 2024, according to UN Tourism figures.

The sector also creates 10 per cent of the world’s jobs - many of them held by young people - thereby reducing poverty and inequality and helping to lay the foundations for more peaceful conditions.

Held on 27 September every year since 1980, World Tourism Day comes at the end of the high season in the northern hemisphere and the beginning of the season in the southern hemisphere.

Last year’s event, held in Riyadh, emphasised the need for better-targeted investments in the sector.

Today’s World Tourism Day takes place at Paragraph Freedom Square, a luxury hotel. Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze will address delegates, alongside Pololikashvili and Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb.

Tourism ministers from Guatemala, Sierra Leone, Bahrain, Cuba, Jamaica and Malaysia will also be speaking at peace-focused panel discussions throughout the day, before the handover to Malaysia - host of World Tourism Day 2025.

“Let us work together as a sector united to make tourism a beacon of hope and ensure that when peace does return to areas of conflict, we are ready to help people rebuild and connect,” adds Pololikashvili.