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World Tourism Day

Explore the world and celebrate World Tourism Day - discover new cultures, make unforgettable memories, and create a lifetime of stories to tell!

Sunday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 27

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYTravel

SUBCATEGORYVacation Planning

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to celebrate World Tourism Day on Sept. 27! This day was created in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization to raise awareness of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value. It is also a chance to recognize the hard work done by millions of people around the world who make tourism possible. From tour guides to hotel staff, everyone plays an important part in making sure tourists have a great experience when they travel. So join us in celebrating World Tourism Day and show your appreciation for all those involved in this industry!

DEALS & OFFERS

Past offers

No active deals yet — here’s who’s celebrated before.

Nothing yet for 2026

Brands typically announce offers a week before the date. Check back closer to the day.

1 brand has run a deal

Agoda

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TIMELINE

World Tourism Day Timeline

World Tourism Day Inception

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) established World Tourism Day to promote awareness about the significance of tourism.

First Global Celebration

Tourist organizations around the world officially recognized and began celebrating World Tourism Day, elevating its global importance.

Thematic Celebrations Introduced

UNWTO introduced a new theme each year to highlight various aspects of tourism and its impact on society, economy, culture and politics.

Hosting Countries Established

UNWTO started designating a different country each year to act as the host for official World Tourism Day celebrations, starting with Qatar.

Tourism & Peace Theme

UNWTO marked 2011 with the theme "Tourism Linking Cultures" to underline the role of tourism in fostering understanding and peace among nations.

Responding to a Global Pandemic

The theme "Tourism and Rural Development" was chosen to address the impact of COVID-19 on global tourism, emphasizing tourism’s role in preserving rural communities and knowledge.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Tourism Day

Visit a local tourist attraction

Explore your own city or region and see what it has to offer. Visit local museums, attractions, and monuments to learn about the history and culture. You may even find some hidden gems along the way.

Go on an international trip

Take a trip to a different country or continent and explore its unique culture and cuisine. This can be done in person or virtually with the help of online travel guides and virtual tours.

BRING

Bring a friend along

Going on an adventure with a friend will make your experience even more memorable. Who knows, you may end up making new friends along the way.

SUPPORT

Support local tourism businesses

Help out small businesses in your area by patronizing them when you travel. Whether it’s restaurants, hotels, tour guides, or souvenir shops, your money goes a long way in supporting local communities.

DOCUMENT

Document your travels

Take photos and videos of your travels to document and share your experience with others. You can also write blog posts or create an online photo album to share with your friends and family.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love World Tourism Day

It supports local economies

Tourism isn't just all fun and games - it plays a crucial role in bolstering the economy of any country or city. People who visit for leisure or business help local businesses thrive, creating jobs for locals and providing revenue for public services such as education. So make sure you celebrate World Tourism Day this year by exploring somewhere new!

It encourages international connections

Traveling is one of the best ways to make new and meaningful connections with people from around the world. By learning about other cultures, we get an opportunity to appreciate their unique perspectives and stories- something that simply cannot be done by staying in our own corner of the world.

It enriches our lives

Exploring new destinations is a great way to expand your horizons and enrich your life. You can learn more about history, see amazing architectural feats, and experience different customs and lifestyles. World Tourism Day reminds us that travel gives us the opportunity to acquire knowledge and build unforgettable memories!