Title: World Tourism Day
Course: Archive > Section: Eco-tourism

In 2013, World Tourism Day was celebrated around the theme of Tourism and Water.

Water is one of tourism’s main assets. Each year, millions of people travel around the world to enjoy water destinations both inland and in coastal areas. Water is also one of tourism’s most precious resources. Water powers all tourism industries, from hotels to restaurants, leisure activities and transport.

World Tourism Day 2013 - Official message by UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai from UNWTO on Vimeo.

As one of the largest economic sectors in the world, it is the responsibility of the tourism sector to take a leadership role and invest in adequate water management. If managed sustainably, tourism can bring benefits to the national and local communities and support water preservation. Low flush toilets, low flow showerheads and leak detection instruments are today integral parts of most businesses.

It's vital for the tourism industry to continue to devise innovative solutions for sustainable access to water resources worldwide. Unless we do so, the quality and quantity of available freshwater will continue to drain, threatening the delicate ecosystems enjoyed by all, tourism included.

Water underpins our lives – let’s protect our common future!

Taleb Rifai Secretary-General

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)