World Tourism Day 2025: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation

World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on September 27, is a global tribute to the power of travel to connect cultures, drive economic growth, and foster sustainable development. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” is a bold call to reimagine tourism not just as a leisure activity, but as a force for long-term positive change.

What the Theme Means
Sustainable Transformation goes beyond eco-friendly travel—it’s about reshaping the entire tourism ecosystem:
- Governance & Planning: Strategic policies that prioritize environmental and cultural preservation.
- Community Empowerment: Tourism as a tool for inclusive growth, especially for women, youth, and rural populations.
- Regenerative Practices: Leaving destinations better than we found them—through conservation, education, and responsible travel.

India’s Role in Sustainable Tourism
India is embracing this transformation with ambitious initiatives:
- Swadesh Darshan 2.0: Developing 110 thematic circuits like Buddhist, Coastal, and Tribal routes.
- PRASHAD Scheme: Enhancing infrastructure at pilgrimage sites while preserving cultural heritage.
- SASCI Projects: ₹3295.76 crore sanctioned for sustainable tourism infrastructure across 23 states.
- Digital Push: The Incredible India portal now includes AI-powered travel planning and a content hub for global outreach.

India recorded:
- 56 lakh foreign tourist arrivals and 303.59 crore domestic visits till August 2025.
- Tourism contributed ₹15.73 lakh crore to GDP and supported 84.62 million jobs (direct + indirect).

Global Perspective
- Malaysia is hosting World Tourism Day 2025 in Melaka, spotlighting inclusive and sustainable tourism models.
- UNWTO emphasizes tourism’s role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially goals 8 (decent work), 12 (responsible consumption), and 14 (life below water).

How You Can Participate
- Choose eco-conscious accommodations and local experiences.
- Support community-led tourism and small businesses.
- Share your sustainable travel stories to inspire others.
- Explore hidden gems near you—sometimes the most transformative journeys are close to home.

World Tourism Day 2025 reminds us that every journey can be a legacy. Let’s travel not just to see the world—but to shape it for the better.