World Tourism Day- September 27th 2009 “Tourism :Celebrating Diversity”
It was during the third session (Spain, September 1979), that the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) decided to institute World Tourism Day, commencing in the year 1980.World Tourism Day is to be commemorated on 27th September each year by appropriate events on themes selected by the General Assembly, on recommendation of UN-WTO’s Executive Council.
While the tourism operations in Bhutan have been stabilized consistent with the overall objectives of strengthening the private sector, sustainable tourism development based on “High Value Low Volume” remains the guiding principle for all future tourism policies. This existing policy has been effective as it has contributed to preservation of our environment and cultural values. The reality therefore is that being a small developing country with limited resources we must understand that the future of tourism in Bhutan, and indeed the future of our economy and society, will be shaped by our ability to compete effectively.
Diversity is one of the driving forces behind tourism and can allow all nations to share the numerous benefits brought about by building stronger ties with other countries. As such, tourism is an undisputed catalyst for building goodwill, fostering social inclusion and promoting higher standards of living. The very essence of tourism relates to the vistors’ experience and we know only to well that the actions or inaction of almost any agency, whether public or private, can affect that experience.
This type of unity and collaboration is increasingly important as the world comes together to face climate change and ensuring sustainable development, particularly in the context of the current economic crisis. Tourism is susceptible to vagaries like the weather, as well as economic conditions in source markets, but unlike any other it is also at the mercy of perceptions of political, social and economic instability. These worldwide partnerships allow for a more effective and global response to issues which concern us all. Hence the theme: Tourism – Celebrating Diversity.
