“On Tourism Day, we are reminded of the ability to experience joy in simple ways brought to our lives through traveling. It is more than just visiting new sites and destinations; it is living an experience that takes us out of a normal plodding routine, expands the horizon of what is possible within our lives, and connects us with the world in meaningful ways. Travel provides us with lots of stories to tell, memories to enjoy, and an increased reflection on the beauty that surrounds us. In many ways, it has become an integral part of living a wholehearted life.
Cruising adds another level to the experience. There’s magic to this mode of travel, especially on open seas. There is a feel to open voyages, where adventure traverses and touches peace along the way. And Resorts World Cruises embodies that spirit, offering travellers not destinations but a way to experience the world in comfort and style. You can enjoy a meal with your loved ones, indulge in world-class entertainment, indulge in spa treatments, or indulge in retail therapy with some of the most renowned fashion brands on board.
So let us celebrate travel today, not just for where it might take us, but also for how it makes our lives richer and closer to the world and ourselves.”
–Naresh Rawal- Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing– Resorts World Cruises
“On this World Tourism Day, I am reminded that tourism is more than just destinations; it’s about the connections we forge along the way and the cultural experiences we offer, each time. As travellers embrace cultural immersion, it helps us cultivate and promote understanding and peace.
At Roseate Hotels and Resorts, we celebrate diversity by offering our guests the chance to explore a diverse world cuisine across our food and beverage outlets besides offering unique traditional and regional cuisines. We also prioritize awareness of the various cultures, religions, and practices of our guests, which enriches the experience for everyone.
A key aspect of this is personalization. By understanding and anticipating the unique needs and preferences of our guests, we create tailored experiences that make each visit feel special. Moreover, we empower our team members with language skills and cultural training, enabling them to engage meaningfully with our multicultural guests. This commitment to connection fosters enriching experiences and a spirit of respect and understanding that transcends borders.
As we honor the essence of travel today, let’s continue to build bridges that unite us, ensuring that every journey taken with Roseate Hotels and Resorts is a step towards a more peaceful and harmonious world.”
— Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels and Resorts
Tourism is a truly remarkable field, having always been more than just a type of leisure or merely a source of revenue for individual regions or cities. Tourism is primarily a way to get immersed in new cultures and experience history. Tourism actually expands your horizons, as you get to see new natural landscapes and meet new people, which in turn allows for a deeper understanding of the world and mankind. When you learn of the achievements and values of other cultures, you cannot help but become a more accepting, understanding and tolerant person. The Moscow City Tourism Committee does everything in its power to bring these ideas to life through the development and implementation of its programs. The effectiveness of these efforts can be measured by statistical data and the feedback from people who have visited Moscow.
We have recently conducted a large-scale survey among foreign tourists. We found out that the landmarks that left international travelers with the most vivid impressions were the Red Square and Kremlin, VDNKh, Arbat, Gorky Park and the Bolshoi Theater. Notably, the Red Square was particularly memorable for tourists from non-CIS countries (67%), while residents of neighboring countries (13%) were most impressed by VDNKh. But Moscow attracts foreign guests not only with its popular landmarks, but also with recreational activities unusual for a metropolis. The plan for Moscow tourism development until 2030 emphasizes the importance of cultural tourism and ways to expand it. Currently half of the guests of the capital visit a museum, an exhibition or an art space. Theaters and sports events are popular among tourists as well.
Moscow is also rightfully considered to be a gastronomic capital: every seventh tourist goes to a restaurant from the world’s and national best rated lists. The city sets trends in this field by launching large cultural and gastronomic projects, and it boasts quite a variety of options, from budget street food to haute cuisine restaurants. We are proud that the tourist influx to the capital in 2023 amounted to 24.5 million tourists, nearly reaching pre-pandemic figures. The Moscow City Tourism Committee continues to work persistently by developing new tourism destinations, helping representatives of the tourism industry to establish relations with foreign colleagues and organizing large-scale festivals in the city – all of which, we believe, will greatly boost tourist traffic to Moscow.
– Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee
“As we celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the wins and challenges facing Goa over the past year and decade. The post-COVID rush for revenge travel has subsided, and businesses are now grappling with the usual challenges of meeting demand while remaining profitable. On the supply side, we’re seeing a surge in hotels, villas, and restaurants opening. But what does this mean when the number of incoming tourists remains steady or even decreases? It leads to price wars and a smaller share of the pie for everyone. Additionally, we still face unresolved issues with taxis, and public infrastructure for tourists remains non-existent. The number of touts scamming tourists continues to rise, with more visitors reporting harassment each year. While the government promotes the beautiful initiative of “Goa Beyond Beaches,” we know for sure that there cannot be a “Goa Beyond Tourists.” For the sake of all Goans, especially given the high dependence on tourism for livelihoods, we must prioritize addressing the basic fundamental needs of a tourist destination instead of focusing on unmet promises, while keeping all stakeholders in mind.”
– Ryan Prazeres, Co-Founder, OneBoard App
Travel has the unique power to break down cultural barriers, promote empathy, and foster meaningful connections between people from diverse backgrounds. At The Hosteller, we believe that travel isn’t just about visiting places; it’s about immersing oneself in the local culture, living among communities, and gaining firsthand experience of different ways of life. This cultural immersion allows travelers to appreciate and respect diverse customs, traditions, and perspectives.
By creating shared spaces where travelers from across the world come together, our hostels serve as platforms for intercultural dialogue and exchange. From participating in local festivals and engaging in deep conversations with fellow backpackers to supporting local businesses and artisans, our guests are constantly engaging in a process of learning and mutual respect. These experiences create lasting cross-cultural bonds, contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate global community.
-Pranav Dangi, Founder and CEO, The Hosteller
On the occasion of World Tourism Day, WTicabs celebrates the resilience and growth of global tourism, now at 96% of pre-pandemic levels. While we reflect on our contribution to this recovery, our focus remains on providing seamless travel experiences across diverse destinations. From bustling city centers to remote, underexplored locales, WTicabs ensures that tourists start and end their journeys comfortably and sustainably. Our comprehensive airport transfer services, powered by a fleet of eco-friendly vehicles and advanced route optimization, not only reduce carbon footprints but also connect travelers to the heart of local cultures. We’re proud to facilitate access to emerging destinations, supporting the trend towards authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences that today’s travelers seek. As international tourism receipts show strong growth, with some countries doubling their 2019 figures, WTicabs remains committed to sustainable practices. Our aim is to foster responsible tourism that benefits local communities and preserves destinations for future generations. This World Tourism Day, we reaffirm our dedication to making every journey, whether to a major city or a hidden gem, an environmentally responsible and culturally enriching experience.
– Ashok Vashist, Founder & CEO, WTiCabs
“Tourism has immense potential as a bridge for fostering peace between nations and cultures. As a powerful economic engine, it creates revenue and jobs that can elevate living standards and reduce socioeconomic disparities, thereby discouraging conflict and encouraging cooperation. With cultural and historical travel accounting for 40% of global tourism, it provides unique opportunities for people to learn about different cultures firsthand, breaking down stereotypes and promoting mutual understanding. Tourists themselves play a crucial role in this process by engaging respectfully with local communities, supporting local businesses, participating in sustainable tourism activities, and acting as informal ambassadors for their own countries. Sustainable tourism practices can significantly contribute to a region’s long-term stability and peace by incentivizing environmental conservation, ensuring equitable distribution of economic benefits, and preserving local cultures. Tourism operators and governments can encourage peace-focused and conscious travel experiences by supporting local businesses, educating travelers about responsible practices, diversifying destinations to balance visitor influx, implementing eco-friendly initiatives, and facilitating meaningful cultural exchanges. By focusing on these aspects, tourism can become a powerful tool for promoting long-term stability, environmental sustainability, and peaceful coexistence between visitors and host communities, ultimately serving as an instrument of soft diplomacy that improves international relations at a grassroots level.”
– Manoj Dharmani, CEO, DUDigital Global
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head of Holidays, MICE, and Visa at Thomas Cook (India) Limited
“On this World Tourism Day, we celebrate India’s extraordinary journey toward becoming a global travel powerhouse. With an anticipated growth rate of 9.6% in the travel sector by 2028, India is poised to welcome 30.5 million international visitors annually by 2030. Our rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and rapidly evolving infrastructure are not just attractions; they are the keys to transformative travel experiences. As Indian travelers shift toward longer, more meaningful vacations, we at Thomas Cook have redefined what travel means to the consumer. By embracing trends like experiential travel, spiritual tourism, adventure and luxury travel for both Leisure and Corporate holidays, we continue to curate unforgettable journeys that resonate deeply with the spirit of India. Moreover, prioritizing sustainable tourism practices is essential—not only to safeguard our environment but also to uplift local communities. Together, we can enhance the tourism experience, positioning India as a beacon of cultural exchange and economic growth on the global stage. Let us harness this moment to inspire a world where travel fosters understanding, peace, and lasting connections.”
S.D. Nandakumar, President and Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited
“As we embrace the theme for World Tourism Day —Tourism and Peace, highlighting the transformative power of travel as a force for harmony and understanding. Tourism acts as a bridge, fostering connections that transcend borders and cultures. By celebrating the rich tapestry of our heritage, we cultivate empathy and respect, paving the way for a more peaceful future. In India, we are witnessing a remarkable evolution in tourism, not only from metro cities but also from smaller yet undiscovered regional circuits – thus making them truly hidden gems. The rise of solo travel, particularly among women, reflects a shift toward personalized, authentic experiences and deeper connections with our diverse landscapes. As disposable incomes rise and awareness of our cultural heritage grows, travelers are increasingly investing in unique experiences, wellness retreats, and sustainable tourism options. This shift not only enhances our economy but also nurtures a spirit of unity and collaboration. Let us pledge this World Tourism Day to make every journey a step toward building bridges of understanding. Together, we can solidify India’s position as a premier travel destination and contribute to a legacy of global harmony, ensuring that every traveler plays a part in fostering peace and connection for generations to come.”
Rubina Sharma, Executive Assistant Manager (EAM) for Room and Business Development, Eros Hotel New Delhi
“At Eros Hotel New Delhi Nehru Place, we view tourism as more than just visiting places; it’s about embracing the experiences that connect us to culture, heritage, and the environment. We are proud to celebrate this spirit of connection and hospitality this World Tourism Day. Our vibrant rangoli in the lobby symbolizes the beauty of Indian culture. At the same time, the soothing melodies from our live piano artist will enhance the guest experience, creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. We’ve placed thoughtful amenities and greeting cards in the rooms to wish you a Happy World Tourism Day.
As part of our commitment to sustainability and cultural awareness, we gift Tulsi seeds to all our guests. Tulsi, a symbol of health and spiritual well-being in Indian tradition, carries immense benefits, and by sharing this gift, we aim to honor our heritage while promoting a greener tomorrow. We invite you to celebrate with us as we create meaningful moments that reflect the essence of travel and discovery.”
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