Get ready to celebrate National Tourism Day on May 7 and explore the world around you! This day was created in 1980 as a way to recognize and appreciate how much tourism contributes to our economy. It's also an opportunity for us all to take some time off, explore new places, try different foods and cultures, and simply enjoy life. Let's get out there this May 7th - it will be a day of adventure that won't soon be forgotten!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1768</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Tourism</div><div class='timeline-text'>The birth of modern tourism is usually credited to the publication of Thomas Cook's travel pamphlets in 1768, which popularized the idea of planned leisure travel.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1841</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Organized Excursion</div><div class='timeline-text'>Thomas Cook organized his first large excursion, a round-trip by train between Leicester and Loughborough in England. This laid the foundations for organized group travel.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1860</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tourism Becomes International</div><div class='timeline-text'>Cook expanded his operation beyond Britain and Europe, with the opening of a tour to Egypt and the Middle East, making tourism an international affair.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Air Travel Revolutionizes Tourism</div><div class='timeline-text'>The advent of commercial jet aircraft and the proliferation of airlines after World War II made long-distance travel more accessible and affordable, leading to a boom in international tourism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Tourism Day Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Tourism Day was officially established to emphasize the cultural and economical importance of tourism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tourism During Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>The COVID-19 pandemic heavily influenced tourism globally, bringing new challenges and transformations to the industry and leading to the rise of virtual tourism.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore a new city.</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the day to explore a new city or town you’ve never been to before. Check out the local attractions, shops and restaurants, and get to know the area.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a travel expo.</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for a travel expo in your area and attend. You’ll learn about different places to visit and get some tips from experts on how to travel smartly.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a tourist attraction.</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a day trip to visit a tourist attraction that you’ve always wanted to go to. Whether it’s an amusement park, monument, museum, or art gallery, it’s sure to be an enjoyable experience.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan your next vacation.</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day researching destinations for your next vacation. Read up on the different sites and attractions in each area so you can plan out your itinerary in advance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go on a guided tour.</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local guided tour and join in for the day. You’ll get an up close and personal look at the destination with all of its history, culture and important sites.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Tourism boosts local economies</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>When people visit an area, they bring money with them. Tourism can help create jobs, bring in taxes to the local government and even support small businesses that are otherwise only supported by locals. Tourists can also benefit communities by increasing cultural awareness and appreciation for different places and cultures.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Tourism encourages exploration</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The best part of any tourist destination is the chance to explore a new culture and environment. By experiencing different parts of the world we not only develop a greater knowledge of foreign countries but also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for our own.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Tourism helps us reconnect with nature</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Outdoor tourism can be a great way to reconnect with nature. From hiking through lush forests to kayaking down rivers, there are plenty of ways to appreciate the beauty of our natural world without having to step too far from home. Plus, plenty of regional parks and protected areas make it easy for anyone to get out and explore!</p></div></div>
National Tourism Day is celebrated on May 7th every year. In 2024 National Tourism Day will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
May 7
Sunday
2024
May 7
Tuesday
2025
May 7
Wednesday
2026
May 7
Thursday
2027
May 7
Friday