Spain. World Tourism Day 2011 will be held next September 27 under the theme “Tourism: linking cultures,” as an opportunity to highlight the important role of this industry in the exchanges between peoples of the world and promoting understanding global. The WTO said that in 2010 some 940 million tourists traveled to different countries than their own.
“The message of the World Tourism Day is that, thanks to tourism, millions of people from different cultures are finding more than ever before,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Tale Raffia said, adding that “this meeting and interaction between people from different cultural backgrounds and lifestyles is a huge opportunity to advance tolerance, mutual respect and understanding.”
Last year, 940 million people traveled to countries other than their own, coming into direct contact with the tangible culture (art, monuments …) and intangible (music, cuisine, traditions …). World Tourism Day 2011 is a celebration of this unique interaction and points to a greater understanding of the values of cultural diversity, said the WTO.
The day will also direct attention to the importance of preserving and promoting the cultures of the world in all its forms. The culture that drives millions of people traveling and spending, has immense value in itself but is also a vital tool in the sustainable development of tourism, said the world organization.
In this condition, said UNWTO culture “must be carefully managed and protected as outlined in the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism ‘policies and activities of tourism should be developed with respect for the artistic heritage, archaeological and cultural that must be protected and transmitted to future generations. ”
“Culture is one of our greatest assets and projected needs. In launching the World Tourism Day 2011, call everyone to develop tourism in a way that preserves and enriches the cultural wealth of the world for future generations, “said Raffia.