World Tourism Day is commemorated each year on 27 September, with celebrations led by UNWTO. Its purpose is to foster awareness among the global community of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution the sector can make in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2019, in line with UNWTO’s overarching focus on skills, education and jobs throughout the year, World Tourism Day will be a celebration on the topic ‘Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all’.

Over the decades, tourism has experienced continued growth and deepening ‎diversification to become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world. ‎Modern tourism is closely linked to development and encompasses a growing number ‎of new destinations. These dynamics have turned tourism into a key driver for socio-‎economic progress.‎

List of the 160 Member States of the UN Tourism and the year of admission in the Organization.

UN Tourism's presence in Geneva has the potential to substantially increase the positive impact of tourism as an engine for development. As part of the UN Tourism Geneva Liaison Office (GVLO) scope of work to represent UN Tourism to the UN System and Diplomatic Missions in Geneva and in building strategic partnerships for increased capacity, GVLO has participated in numerous United Nations System led activities.

The Institutional Relations and Partnerships Department (IRPD) develops partnerships and cooperates with UN institutions as well as other international and regional organizations. It mobilizes financial and non-financial resources that help UN Tourism respond to the diverse needs of its Member States.

Zurab Pololikashvili is Secretary-general since 1 January 2018 after being elected by the 22nd Session of UN Tourism General Assembly.