Web Desk: World Tourism Day is being celebrated today.
The day aims at recognizing the power of travel and tourism in connecting cultures, promoting global peace, and boosting economies worldwide.
This year, the theme of the day is “Tourism and Peace”.
World Tourism Day is an annual observance day that aims to foster awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.
It was established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980 and has been celebrated every year since then on September 27.
The theme for World Tourism Day 2024 is “Tourism and Peace” which highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments for people, planet and prosperity.
According to UNWTO, now is the time for new and innovative solutions, not just traditional investments that promote and underpin economic growth and production.
World Tourism Day 2024 will be a call to action for the international community, governments, multilateral financial institutions, development partners and private sector investors to unite around a new tourism investment strategy.
The Riphah Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (RIHCA) in collaboration with Tourism Insights proudly hosted a special event in celebration of World Tourism Day 2024, marking the official launch of the Pakistan Tourism Profile 2024 and the Rasta Initiative.
Developed by Tourism Insights, these initiatives were unveiled to support Pakistan’s tourism industry, aligning with this year’s global theme of Tourism and Peace.
The Pakistan Tourism Profile 2024 is a comprehensive industry report offering up-to-date data, insights, and trends to guide decision-making and strategic development in Pakistan’s tourism sector.
The event also showcased the launch of the Rasta Initiative, a dedicated employment portal for Pakistan’s hospitality and tourism sector.
The portal aims to facilitate career growth for young professionals while meeting the labor market needs of tourism-related businesses.
The event, held at the Riphah Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts in Islamabad, featured notable speakers and panelists from government and the private sector.
The launch was further supported by Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, who emphasized the critical role of youth in developing Pakistan’s tourism sector.
He lauded the Rasta Initiative for creating job opportunities and empowering young professionals, highlighting the importance of tourism in youth development and nation-building.
Following the launch, panel discussions explored topics such as hospitality education, youth engagement in tourism, and the socio-economic benefits of promoting peace through tourism.
Experts from various sectors participated in these discussions, sharing insights on how tourism can serve as a bridge between cultures and contribute to socio-economic growth.
This event underscored the importance of tourism as a driver of peace, cultural exchange, and economic development, positioning Pakistan as a growing player in the global tourism market.
Both the Pakistan Tourism Profile 2024 and the Rasta Initiative are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism and hospitality in the country.
