On 27 September, every year, World Tourism Day is celebrated. Background World Tourism Day has been held on 27 September each year since 1980. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970, paving the way for the establishment of UN Tourism five years later. Tourism is one of the world’s most important economic sectors. It employs one in every ten people on Earth and provides livelihoods to hundreds of millions more. For some countries, it can represent over 20 percent of their GDP. Youth aged 15 to 24 represent 15.5% of the global tourism workforce, exceeding the economy-wide average, while women account for 40% of the sector's direct employment. It allows people to experience some of the world’s cultural and natural riches and brings people closer to each other, highlighting our common humanity. Tourism is an essential pillar of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the commitment to our Sustainable Development Goals, especially goals 8, 12, and 14. It serves as a first entry point to the world of work, especially for women, youth, migrant workers, and rural populations in developing and least developed countries (LDCs). Moreover, in many parts of the world, the protection of biodiversity and conservation rely heavily on the tourism sector and the revenue it generates. Theme for 2025: Tourism and sustainable transformation Tourism is often highlighted for its role in economic development. But it is more than that. It is a catalyst for social progress, delivering education, employment and creating new opportunities for all. However, the sector demands more than growth alone. To unlock these benefits, a deliberate and inclusive approach is essential, one that places sustainability, resilience and social equity at the core of tourism development and decision-making. World Tourism Day 2025, under the theme "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation", highlights tourism’s transformative potential as an agent of positive change. Sources : United Nations UN World Tourism Organization