World Tourism Day is an international observance held annually on September 27 since 1980. The day aims to raise awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value. The date was chosen to coincide with an important milestone in world tourism: the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on September 27, 1970.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. The UNWTO designates a host country and theme for World Tourism Day each year. For example, in 2023, Saudi Arabia hosted the event with the theme "Tourism and Green Investments".

World Tourism Day is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of tourism, including job creation and economic growth, as well as to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices. It is also a chance to raise awareness of the need for accessible tourism for everyone, including those with disabilities and low-income individuals.

Some ways to celebrate World Tourism Day include:

• Treating a normal day like a vacation and making travel plans with friends and family.
• Learning more about animal sentience and understanding the creatures we share our world with.
• Visiting Whale Heritage Sites and Wildlife Heritage Areas, which are areas accredited by experts for their sustainability and focus on animal protection and wellbeing.

Overall, World Tourism Day is an important observance that highlights the value of tourism and the need for responsible and sustainable tourism practices.