Every September 27 is recognized as World Tourism Day, which acknowledges the tourism industry as one of the fastest growing and most important economic sectors in the world.
“The tourism sector is a leading source of employment, supporting many millions of jobs and driving economies forward, both at the local and the national level,” said UN World Tourism Organization Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “In many places, tourism employment gives women, young people and those living in rural communities the chance to support themselves and their families and to integrate more fully into wider society.”
“The true potential of tourism, both as a creator of jobs and as a driver of equality and sustainable development, is only just being realized,” he added. “Providing decent work opportunities and contributing to developing professional skills are at the heart of this.”
For 2019, the observance seeks to improve job creation in the tourism industry. Among the points they touch upon include maximizing industry potential, incorporating new technology, and addressing discrepancies between skills training and employer needs./WDJ