According to UNWTO, this year's theme seeks to advance the goals of the 2012 International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, drawing attention to the many sustainable energy initiatives in place in the tourism sector, and the potential for additional activities to enhance access to sustainable energy.
28 September 2012: The UN marked World Tourism Day on 27 September under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development.” World Tourism Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of tourism and the contributions it can make in the economic, political and social sectors.
According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), this year’s theme seeks to advance the goals of the 2012 International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, drawing attention to the many sustainable energy initiatives in place in the tourism sector, and the potential for additional activities to enhance access to sustainable energy. On the occasion, UNWTO reported that sustainable energy represents a promising solution to many of today’s global challenges, from climate change to geopolitics and the economy.
Marking World Tourism Day, the UNWTO convened a Think Tank debate in Madrid, Spain, with key representatives from the aviation and hospitality industries. The debate focused on the need for better collaboration between the tourism and energy sectors, with the support of governments. [UN Press Release] [UNWTO Press Release] [World Tourism Day Website] [UN Women Press Release]