In 2023, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated February 17 as Global Tourism Resilience Day. The purpose of this day is to underscore the necessity for developing tourism resilience to effectively manage unforeseen challenges, recognizing the susceptibility of the tourism sector to emergencies.

With support from over 90 countries, the resolution was initially proposed by a coalition including the Bahamas, Belize, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Greece, Guyana, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Zambia.

Tourism resilience serves as a strategy to enhance sustainability following ecological or environmental disasters, providing an alternative pathway for recovery from stress induced by tourism.

Origin and History

• Establishment: Global Tourism Resilience Day was officially recognized and established by the United Nations General Assembly. The first celebration is set for February 17, 2023.
• Purpose: The day is intended to raise awareness about the importance of building resilience in the tourism sector, highlighting the need for preparedness, response, and recovery strategies to ensure the sustainability and longevity of tourism activities worldwide.

Significance

• Economic Impact: Tourism is a major economic driver for many countries, providing jobs, supporting local businesses, and generating revenue. Resilience in this sector is crucial for the economic stability of numerous communities.
• Cultural Preservation: Tourism helps preserve and promote cultural heritage and traditions. Building resilience ensures that these cultural assets are protected and can continue to be shared with future generations.
• Environmental Sustainability: Resilient tourism practices promote sustainable travel, encouraging conservation efforts and minimizing the environmental footprint of tourism activities.

Key Themes and Focus Areas

• Crisis Management: Developing strategies and systems to manage crises, including natural disasters, political instability, health pandemics, and economic downturns.
• Sustainable Tourism: Promoting tourism practices that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially responsible.
• Innovation and Technology: Leveraging technology and innovative solutions to enhance the resilience of the tourism sector. This includes digital platforms for travel planning, real-time information sharing, and virtual tourism experiences.
• Community Engagement: Involving local communities in tourism planning and development to ensure that tourism benefits are distributed equitably and that communities are prepared to handle disruptions.
• Policy and Governance: Advocating for strong policies and governance frameworks that support tourism resilience at local, national, and international levels.

Activities and Events

• Workshops and Seminars: Organizing educational events to discuss best practices, share knowledge, and build capacity in tourism resilience.
• Collaborative Projects: Encouraging partnerships between governments, tourism boards, private sector entities, and non-governmental organizations to develop and implement resilience strategies.
• Awareness Campaigns: Running campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of tourism resilience and the actions needed to achieve it.
• Research and Publications: Promoting research on tourism resilience and disseminating findings through reports, articles, and other publications to inform policy and practice.

How to Get Involved

• Education and Training: Participating in or organizing training programs and workshops on tourism resilience to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Advocacy: Supporting policies and initiatives that promote sustainable and resilient tourism practices.
• Community Support: Engaging with and supporting local communities in tourism activities, ensuring that they are included in resilience planning and decision-making processes.
• Sustainable Practices: Adopting and promoting sustainable travel behaviors, such as reducing waste, supporting eco-friendly accommodations, and respecting local cultures and environments.

Impact and Legacy

• Economic Stability: Enhancing tourism resilience helps protect jobs and livelihoods dependent on the tourism sector, contributing to broader economic stability.
• Sustainable Development: Resilient tourism practices align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to economic growth, sustainable cities and communities, and responsible consumption and production.
• Global Cooperation: The observance of Global Tourism Resilience Day fosters international cooperation and the sharing of best practices, helping countries and regions build stronger and more resilient tourism industries.

Conclusion

Global Tourism Resilience Day is a crucial observance aimed at strengthening the tourism industry's ability to withstand and recover from various challenges. By promoting sustainable practices, encouraging innovation, and fostering community engagement, this day highlights the importance of resilience in ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of tourism worldwide. Through education, advocacy, and collaborative efforts, stakeholders can work together to build a more resilient and vibrant tourism sector, benefiting economies, cultures, and environments globally.