World Tourism Day 2025: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation

This day invites us to leverage tourism as a platform for systemic and sustainable transformation, guided by effective governance, strategic planning and collaboration between all participants.

World Tourism Day 2025, celebrated this year with the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” highlights the potential of this sector as an agent of positive change and a driver of social and economic development on a global level.

Beyond its economic value, tourism is recognized as a catalyst for social progress capable of generating education, employment and new opportunities for all communities. However, according to the organizers, harnessing this potential requires more than just growth: it demands effective governance, strategic planning, rigorous monitoring and clear priorities aligned with long-term sustainability goals.

One of the most important challenges is the inclusion of young people, women and vulnerable communities. It is estimated that almost half of young people in emerging destinations do not have the necessary training to participate fully in the tourism sector. Therefore, governments and the tourism industry must promote accessible, high-quality education and vocational training programs designed to adapt to the changing needs of the industry.

Innovation and responsible entrepreneurship are also essential. Digitalization and innovative business models offer significant opportunities, especially for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led by women and young people, thereby driving inclusive prosperity and sustainable economic diversification.

In terms of investment, between 2019 and 2024, tourism attracted more than 2,300 foreign direct investment projects worth $126 billion, underscoring the sector's potential. However, experts insist that these investments must prioritize long-term community benefits, resilience and climate action.

Finally, sustainable tourism involves responsible management of natural resources, reducing emissions, conserving biodiversity and strengthening resilient infrastructure to protect ecosystems and ensure the availability of resources for future generations.

This World Tourism Day launches an urgent call to action: to leverage tourism as a platform for systemic and sustainable transformation, guided by effective governance, strategic planning and collaboration among all involved. According to the organizers, tourism has the potential not only to encourage peace, but also to empower, regenerate and transform our world in a sustainable way.