This Sunday, September 27th, is the UN’s annual World Tourism Day and it serves as a reminder of the true purpose and value of tourism in the U.S. and abroad. It is easy to become frustrated working in this industry where non-profit organizations lack the budgets to properly market themselves, CVBs and Tourism Boards constantly have to protect their funding from the chopping block, and the rise of disrespectful visitors and commercialism has created a backlash against tourism in some cities. However, in the U.S., there are some states that are seeing major increases in their marketing budgets, and it’s about time. Hopefully, more and more markets will follow suit because tourism plays important roles in our economy and in our culture in many ways:
Preserving History. When people experience history through tourism rather than just by reading about it in a book, it creates a stronger memory and connection. The National Trust for Historic Preservation defines Heritage Tourism as “traveling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past,” and has identified five principles that make Heritage Tourism successful and sustainable:
Many of these goals and values also coincide with the growing popularity of socially responsible travel, giving tourists a sense of responsibility for their chosen destination.
Sharing Culture. International Scientific Committee on Cultural Tourism defines Cultural Tourism as:
Cultural tourism can be defined as that activity which enables people to experience the different ways of life of other people, thereby gaining at first hand an understanding of their customs, traditions, the physical environment, the intellectual ideas and those places of architectural, historic, archaeological or other cultural significance which remain from earlier times. Cultural tourism differs from recreational tourism in that it seeks to gain an understanding or appreciation of the nature of the place being visited.
Tourism creates learning experiences and deeper levels of understanding of different and foreign cultures by allowing people to become completely immersed.
Creating Positive Economic Impact. Tourism benefits local and national economies. The U.S. Travel Association reports that 2014 saw $2.1 Trillion in output from domestic and international visitors including $221.7 Billion in wages and 15 million jobs.
So join the international community in celebrating World Tourism Day, join in the conversation about the importance of tourism, and be proud to be part of this meaningful industry.