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World Tourism Day: 10 interesting facts

As the world of travel and tourism celebrates World Tourism Day today, here are 10 interesting facts about the day…

World Tourism Day: 10 interesting facts

Photo: Istock

As the world of travel and tourism celebrates World Tourism Day today, here are 10 interesting facts about the day and world tourism, according to UN reports.

1. The World Tourism Day was first observed on September 27, 1980. The United Nations chose this date as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted.

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2. The tourism sector has seen an impressive worldwide expansion  following the recognition of the right to holidays in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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3. Tourism sector represents an estimated 10 per cent of the world’s GDP and 1 in 10 jobs globally.

4. International tourist arrivals worldwide have grown from 25 million in 1950 to nearly 1.2 billion in 2015.

5. International tourism revenues earned by destinations around the world have grown from $2 billion in 1950 to $1260 trillion in 2015.

6. Tourism, according to estimates, will continue to grow at an average of 3.3 per cent annually until 2030.

7. The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

8. Hence, in 2017, the celebration focuses on how sustainable tourism can contribute to development.

9. ‘Sustaniable Tousrism –  a Tool for Development’ celebration is being held in Doha, Qatar.

10. UN: This year provides a unique opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to sustainability and move forward to ensure the positive impact of well-managed tourism on inclusive and equitable growth, sustainable development and peace.

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