27 September 2011: The UN marked World Tourism Day on 27 September 2011, under the theme of “Tourism – Linking cultures.” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underscored tourism’s ability to generate socioeconomic opportunity, and encouraged everyone involved in tourism to embrace the Global Code of Ethics on Tourism, which he said were “guidelines for sustainable and responsible tourism development.”

The aim of World Tourism day is to raise awareness among the international community on the importance of tourism, including how tourism can help in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Echoing Secretary-General Ban’s statement, UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General, Taleb Rifai, stressed the importance of the Code, stating that tourism growth brings serious responsibilities to minimize any potentially negative impacts. [UN News Centre Story] [UN Secretary-General’s Message on World Tourism Day] [Website of World Tourism Day]