World Tourism Day, established in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), recognizes tourism's significant impact on a global scale. In 2024, Georgia will host the international celebration, with each nation marking the day in its own unique way. The Maldives is no exception, as its tourism industry wholeheartedly embraces this initiative.

Scheduled for September 27, World Tourism Day aims to highlight tourism as a vital industry that drives economic growth, generates employment opportunities, and fosters cultural connections among diverse populations. This annual event is dedicated to acknowledging tourism's critical role in promoting cultural exchange, economic development, and international understanding.

The theme for World Tourism Day 2024, “Tourism and Peace,” emphasizes the relationship between tourism and global peace. The United Nations underscores the importance of understanding different cultures and promoting sustainable tourism practices as a means to accomplish this objective.

September 27 was chosen to commemorate the adoption of UNWTO statutes in 1975, making it a significant occasion for the global tourism community. In 2024, the celebration will fall on a Friday, providing an excellent opportunity for communities to engage in various activities.

World Tourism Day focuses on responsible tourism practices, the celebration of cultural heritage, and addressing environmental sustainability while ensuring fair distribution of benefits. Events on this day may include seminars, workshops, and conferences centered around the year’s theme, as well as cultural festivals, exhibitions, and public performances.

Educational campaigns and community outreach efforts are set to raise awareness about responsible travel, support local economies, and promote the protection of natural environments. By participating in these initiatives, the Maldivian tourism industry aspires to contribute to a global movement that champions tourism as a catalyst for peace and understanding among nations.

Additionally, the Maldives celebrates National Tourism Day on October 4, commemorating the opening of its first tourist resort “Kurumba Village” now the Kurumba Maldives, marking the beginning of tourism in the country. Officially declared in 2022 during the celebration of 50 years of the Maldivian tourism industry, National Tourism Day serves as a reminder of the progress and potential that the sector holds for the nation.