Started in 1980 by The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), World Tourism Day (WTD) is celebrated worldwide annually on September 27. This day aims at raising awareness among masses regarding the potential that tourism holds in order to contribute to sustainable development, thus impacting a country’s economy. September 27 was chosen as the date to mark the annual celebrations as the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted, on this day, in the year 1970. Tourism impacts economies, communities, society and its people every minute of every day. A surge in tourism, both local and international is important for the development of its people socially, culturally and economically. While several avenues have been opening up and more places for travellers to go to without any hiccups, it’s also important that sustainable tourism is understood and practiced on a large scale. In case you’re wondering what sustainable tourism is, it’s the concept of visiting someplace as a tourist with the intention of making a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy. What’s imperative though is that tourists or travellers both remain mindful of not spoiling the environment through practices that can’t be reversed. It’s almost as simple as using dustbins to discard waste and limiting the use of paper or plastic. Responsibility is important for us in the present day as what we do today is going to affect posterity, and Mother Nature deserves some love in return for what’s been given to us naturally. The official celebrations this year will take place in Budapest, Hungary, while other celebrations will take place worldwide too. In India, the celebrations will begin in Goa and are organised by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). WTD celebrations in the Capital and in Goa are also coinciding with the concluding day of the 11-day Paryatan Parv held between September 16 and 27. The theme this year is Tourism and the Digital Transformation and will help explore opportunities provided to tourism by technological advances like big data, artificial intelligence and digital platforms. The official celebrations will include the announcement of the semi-finalists of the first-ever UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) Tourism Start-up Competition. The competition was organised in order to give visibility to start-ups with innovative ideas that are capable of revolutionising how we travel and enjoy tourism. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter<doc-sep>World Tourism Day 2018 is being celebrated today i.e. 27th September 2018 at Budapest, Hungary as well as across the globe. The theme for World Tourism Day 2018 hovers around Digital Transformation and Innovation that Advanced Technologies can bring to the tourism sector to make it a crucial contributor for all round sustainable development of the world. Global Tourism impacts infrastructure development, job creation, sanitation, cultural exchange, local community empowerment, transportation as well as the ecological burden on planet Earth. In this digital era innovations like Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Platforms can play a remarkable role in ensuring sustainable growth by making tourism a more responsible sector and connecting tourism at the global level. Today we book flights and hotels via digital platforms, travelers like to read reviews online while selecting local eateries or before booking a b&b, Social Media has contributed largely in making the world a Global Village, user generated content plays a big role in Digital Marketing today, Smartphones and Internet has made decision-making quicker, and so on. To sum-up, the world is hyper-connected today! And with large databases and technology at our disposal, it is time how we innovate and disrupt the tourism sector further to ensure a more economical, inclusive and environment-friendly touristy. On World Tourism Day 2018, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will announce the Semi-Finalists of its first ever UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition 2018 that aims to render a futuristic approach to startups across the world who can bring in innovative ideas that can transform how the world travels.<doc-sep>September 27 is World Tourism Day (WTD), launched by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as a day dedicated to tourism and to raise awareness on the industry’s actual and potential contribution to sustainable development. “Tourism is more than you think and today we highlight the contribution the sector can and must make in reaching the global goals,” UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said on Thursday. The theme of this year’s World Tourism Day focuses on tourism and the digital transformation. “The digital transformation is about providing benefits for all. We are making sure that tourism contributes to this global commitment,” Pololikashvili added. Celebrated worldwide since 1980, this year the official celebrations are held in Budapest, Hungary. ﻿ On the occasion of World Tourism Day, key Greek tourism figures gave their messages, underlining the important role technology plays in the hospitality and tourism industry Elena Kountoura, Tourism Minister “Digital technology is a big part of our plans to establish Greece as a 365-day tourism destination…” In her official message on the occasion of World Tourism Day, Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura underlined that 2018 is turning into the best year in the history of Greek tourism with 32 million arrivals. Aiming for even higher numbers in the future, she said that the ministry is carrying out plans to establish Greece as a 365-day tourism destination and that digital technology is a big part of it. “We – the Tourism Ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization – are creating a digital ecosystem for tourism through the Visit Greece portal, by using the latest technologies for the global promotion of Greece and for tourists to benefit through smart and customized applications,” Minister Kountoura said, adding that the ministry was also digitizing public tourism education, aiming at the continuous high-level training of executives and employees of the industry. Moreover, she informed that the tourism ministry – in cooperation with other ministries – implements programs and actions that encourage the development of innovative start-up companies and support the digital transformation of small and medium-sized Greek tourism businesses to enhance their competitiveness and outward-focusing. “We seek synergies with all public and private sector bodies to develop smart destinations and, alongside the use of technology in infrastructure and services, to improve not only the overall travel experience of our visitors but also the everyday life of residents and local communities,” she said. “Through digital innovation, our goal is to empower every local economy, make more effective use of natural and human resources, tackle the challenges of destination management and continually evolve in the international competitive environment as a popular and attractive destination,” Minister Kountoura added. Konstantinos Tsegas, GNTO Secretary General “Our goal is to lead Greek tourism to even higher performances in 2019…” In his message, the secretary general of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), Konstantinos Tsegas, focused on the organization’s main goal, which is to establish Greece as a world-renowned all year round – 365 days a year – tourism destination. “The GNTO implements a dynamic multi-level global promotion program based on the strategic directions of the national and regional tourism policy designed by the Tourism Ministry and Minister Elena Kountoura,” Tsegas said. GNTO’s secretary general added that the organization is promoting Greece through “smart” actions and by using the latest technology tools. “Our goal is to lead Greek tourism to even higher performances in 2019 and in the years to come,” Tsegas added. Yiannis Retsos, SETE President “We must redefine our competitiveness…” “The digital revolution is not waiting for us and we – the tourism sector – must follow it,” the president of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), Yiannis Retsos, said in a statement. In his message on World Tourism Day, SETE’s president said the confederation aims to focus on the “tomorrow” of tourism, but above all on the “tomorrow” of the global economy. Underlining the importance of the digital transformation for tourism, Retsos stressed that enterprises must move from traditional to new business models. “We must redefine our competitiveness,” he said, adding that this is the only way tourism and the entire Greek economy will move forward. Recognizing the critical nature of change, this year SETE is dedicating its annual conference to the transition of tourism to the new digital age. Grigoris Tasios, Hellenic Hoteliers Federation President “Now is the time for the launch of a structured plan for Greek tourism of the 21st century…” The president of the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation, Grigoris Tasios, underlined that now is the time for the launch of a structured plan for Greek tourism of the 21st century, with the Greek hotel sector having a leading role in the country’s new development model of extroversion, quality and sustainable use of its natural and cultural offerings. “But in order for the Greek hotel sector to be able to give everything that it really can, it should be relieved immediately from the two big burdens we face today: overtaxation and unfair competition from short-term rentals,” Tasios stressed. Panagiotis Tokouzis – SETKE President “The possibilities and prospects that digital technology offers are unlimited…” The president of the Hellenic Confederation of Tourist Accommodation Entrepreneurs (SETKE) called for the latest positive forecasts – that see Greece breaking another record in tourism arrivals this year – and developments to act as incentives for the provision of specialized products and services, the implementation of new innovations and the adoption of new technologies. “In the digital reality we live in, the possibilities and prospects that digital technology offers are unlimited and all us tourism professionals have to make the most of them,” Tokouzis said. “Let’s utilize them to develop a national strategy for sustainable tourism that respects the environment and local communities and at the same time, strengthens local economies.” SETKE’s president informed that the confederation has undertaken a series of innovative initiatives and has proceeded with the implementation and adoption of new standards aimed at modernizing and upgrading the services provided to the visitors of tourist accommodation. “Services, capable of meeting the demands of today’s experienced traveler, offering him new, unique experiences,” he said. Lysandros Tsilidis, FedHATTA President<doc-sep>Nestled in the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains, flourishes the idea that is sure to become a memorable trip for any traveller who visits Sikkim. Having gained the status of the cleanest state in India and the only state that grows their food organically, this pristine beauty is worth every minute of our time, even though some of us may be chained to our desks most of the days of the year. It’s like Sikkim has opened its arms for us all and it’s time to visit the soulful terrains. From the crystalline glaciers to the lakes and hot springs, from the flora and the fauna to the picturesque mountain passes and a tête-à-tête with the culture, people and food, Sikkim is truly a melting pot of all things magical. It’s a must-visit for all kinds of travellers, be it the quiet reader sitting in a cozy corner at a quaint café or the social media buff sharing visual travel diaries on Instagram. We have the top picks for you to have the perfect getaway experience in Sikkim. Gurudongmar Lake One of the highest lakes in the world, located at 5430 m. The lake is fed by glaciers and located to the north of the Kangchengyao range. The lake joins the Tso Lahmu to form the source of the Teesta River, and remains completely frozen from November to Mid-May. Legend has it that the lake’s frigid state is linked to the visit of Guru Padmasambhava to the lake, on his way back from Tibet. When he saw it, he realised that the location was worthy of veneration. However, since the lake remained frozen for the major part of the year, it could not serve any drinking water needs to the people of the state. The guru then agreed to help the people by placing his hands in a small area of the lake which stopped freezing during winter, facilitating drinking water to the people of the state. Since then, Gurudongmar Lake has been considered sacred. It has also been claimed that the lake was blessed in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Ji, the spiritual leader of Sikhism, when he had passed through the area. Himalayan Zoological Park Notably one of India’s better-maintained zoos, the Himalayan Zoological Park occupies an entire hillside with a splendid view of Mt. Khangchendzonga. The star attraction is the red panda, also called the red cat bear, Sikkim’s animal emblem. One can also hope to see the Snow Leopard, Goral, Himalayan Palm Civet, Himalayan Black Bear and Crimson-Horned Pheasant at the park. The best time to visit the area is Mid-February to May and Mid-September to December. Khangchendzonga National Park The Khangchendzonga National Park includes a diversity of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular, snow-capped mountains covered with ancient forests, including the world’s third highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga (or Kanchenjunga). The national park is a UNESCO world heritage site. Khangchendzonga Falls Feel the sprays of this torrential fall as they cascade down granite rocks while you enjoy this breathtaking beauty. Marvel at the beauty of nature creating a perfect symbiosis of sound and sight. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary located in the Yumthang Valley of Flowers, North Sikkim, is home to 24 species of rhododendrons, which burst with colour every Spring/Summer between March till early May. Solophok Chardham This unique Pilgrim Centre has a main temple, 108-feet tall that houses an 87-feet-high statue of Lord Shiva in a sitting posture at the Solophok Hill. Apart from the Shiva statue, this Pilgrim Centre also has replicas of the twelve Jyotirlingas, to offer one platform for Shiva devotees. Buddha Park The Buddha Park plays host to a beautiful statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, visible from all directions of Southwest Sikkim and some parts of West Sikkim. The park area is beautifully landscaped making it a haven for visitors who can enjoy the serene surroundings. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology Established in 1958, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology has since promoted and sponsored research on the history, religion, language, art and culture of the Tibetan people. The institute’s library has one of the largest collections of Tibetan works in the world outside Tibet. Samdruptse Samdruptse Hill, situated at an altitude of 2134 m plays host to Padmasambhava’s (Guru Rimpoche) statue that overlooks the city. It is believed that Samdruptse is a dormant volcano and only constant prayers can hold it from erupting. Tsuklakhang Serving as Gangtok’s central Buddhist temple, Tsuklakhang has intricate interiors including a pair of carved dragon columns. Back in the day Sikkim and the then-independent Tibet enjoyed close relations, hence the best artists were chosen from Lhasa and Shigatse to paint the Gangtok Tsuklakhang’s murals. The monastery compound’s serenity is sure to help you calm your anxieties and refresh your mind. One can also get a glimpse of the private Chogyal Palace while wandering in the grounds. Tashi Viewpoint If you’re sitting down to enjoy the view or are on the road exploring, you might have to wait for the cloud cover to vanish so you can register the full view at one go so it stays with you as a fond memory. From the Tashi Viewpoint, you can take in some of Gangtok’s best glimpses of the Khangchendzonga. This road also leads up to the iconic Nathu La Pass which reopened in 2006 and is manned by the BRO (Border Roads Organisation). Singshore Bridge The highest bridge in Sikkim, this 230 metres-span suspension bridge is an engineering marvel and was constructed to reduce the travel time on the Dentam-Utterey road, but ended up becoming a tourist attraction instead. Who’s complaining, though? Yumthang Hot Springs When you set out for Yumthang, it’s the journey that matters as much as the destination. On the way to the springs and the pool that you can choose to bathe in (basis the time allowed) or just soak in the greenery and the purity of the locales, you’re in. You and your camera are going to be happiest! Rachna Books, Café Fiction and Bookmans BnB An award-winning bookshop, Rachna Books is a cultural hub in Sikkim, as they’re more than just about books.<doc-sep>
September 27 is an international observance of World Tourism Day by the United Nations World Tourism Organization since the year 1980. The World Tourism Organization is responsible for the promotion of sustainable and universally accessible tourism. A leading organisation in the field of tourism, it promotes the field for economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability. They also offer leadership and support with regards to the tourism policies worldwide. New Visa Rules for Indian Passport Holders Makes International Travel Lot Easier to These Countries! Date and Theme: September 27 is observed as the World Tourism Day since the statutes of the UNWTO were adopted on this day in the year 1970. These statutes have been considered a milestone in global tourism. This day is marked to create more awareness about the role of tourism internationally, and how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values all over the world. It also aims to highlight the role of tourism in contributing to sustainable development. The theme for World Tourism Day 2018 is "Tourism and the Digital Transformation." The theme stands for the advent of digital media transforming the ways people connect and inform. It also encourages transforming behaviour and encouraging innovation and sustainable, responsible growth strategies. These Travel & Navigation Apps Can Ease Every Woman's Commute. Significance of World Tourism Day: The field of tourism is seeing a steady growth for decades. The field has expanded in ways more than one. Today, tourism is also the fastest growing sectors, making is economically viable too. The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is expecting the field to grow at an average of 3% annually till the year 2030. While all over the globe there are some economic crises being felt, that has not affected tourism much. The international travels continue to rise and thus the revenue earned from them are also on a rise. On World Tourism Day 2018, Learn Some Tips to Travel on a Shoestring Budget in India. The UNWTO decided in the year 1979 to mark this day and since 1980 this day has been celebrated every year. The organisation believes that this day is apt because it comes at the end of the high tourist season in the northern hemisphere and the start of the tourist season in the southern hemisphere. So tourism is of interest to people worldwide- those working in the field and also those looking to travel. Celebrations of World Tourism Day: The official celebrations of the day will be held in Budapest, Hungary which is currently enjoying a growth of tourism backed by constant support and commitment to a digital future. There will sessions held in other parts of the world, where people talk of the opportunities that have grown due to the tourism sector. The technological advancements have helped in tourism, with some big data and digital platforms. On this day, the semi-finalists of the 1st UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition, launched by UNWTO will also be announced. The idea is to give recognition to travel start-ups that have innovative ideas and change the way we travel. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2018 01:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).