World Tourism Day 2025: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation

World Tourism Day 2025: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation

27 September | Melaka Malaysia
Tourism and Sustainable Transformation

27 September | Melaka Malaysia 

“Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”

World Tourism Day 2025 highlights tourism’s transformative potential as an agent of positive change. Realizing this potential, however, demands more than growth alone. It requires good governance, strategic planning, robust monitoring and clear priority setting that align with long-term sustainability goals. Tourism is more than an economic sector, it is a catalyst for social progress, delivering education, employment and creating new opportunities for all. To unlock these benefits, a deliberate and inclusive approach is essential, one that places sustainability, resilience and social equity at the core of tourism development and decision-making.
 

Concept Note General Information Note

WYD25

Official Messages

Anotnio Guterres
United Nations | The Secretary-General | Message For World Tourism Day
New York, 27 September 2025

Tourism is a powerful engine of opportunity.

It creates jobs and strengthens bonds between people and places, reminding us of our shared humanity.

Yet, it can also damage the very places and communities it celebrates. As the world faces climate breakdown and rising inequality, we need bold, urgent, and sustainable transformation that puts people and planet first. 

On this World Tourism Day, we recognize the vital role tourism plays in shaping that change. To fulfil its promise, tourism must be inclusive, equitable, and green.

That means investment in education and skills, especially for women, youth, and marginalized communities; supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that are the backbone of local economies; and protecting our planet - conserving biodiversity, shielding ecosystems, and reducing emissions across the tourism sector.

Today, and every day, let’s harness the power of tourism and help to shape a more sustainable future for all. 

Dato Sri Tiong King Sing
Dato Sri Tiong King Sing | Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia | Message For World Tourism Day
Malaysia

Warm greetings from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia.

Malaysia is filled with immense pleasure and great anticipation in extending our heartfelt invitation to welcome everyone around the globe to join us in celebrating the World Tourism Day (WTD) and the 7th Edition of World Tourism Conference (WTC) in the Historic State of Melaka.

This global stage would be a vital platform to foster stronger bonds, sharing innovative ideas, and collectively charting a sustainable future for the global tourism industry which aligns perfectly with this year’s WTD theme "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation". Malaysia is proud to open its doors and showcase its diverse natural and cultural heritage, serene breathtaking landscapes, rich culinary heritage and warm hospitality.

As this significant global event convenes in the vibrant and culturally rich land of Malaysia, we will showcase that tourism is not just about visiting beautiful places; it's about creating positive change, protecting our planet, and enriching lives - ensuring that no one is left behind. Highlighting Malaysia’s mission on making tourism a force for good – ensuring our stunning natural wonders are preserved, our diverse cultures are celebrated, and local communities truly benefit.

We eagerly await your presence and the opportunity to welcome you to Malaysia where you can truly experience the colours of Asia.

Selamat Datang ke “Malaysia, Truly Asia”,

Dato Sri Tiong King Sing
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia

Celebrate World Tourism Day with UN Tourism!
 

Join us in celebrating World Tourism Day by sharing your events and activities.

Submit your event today and be part of the global movement!

#WTD25

https://www.unwto.org/form/share-your-event

World Tourism Day Celebrations around the World

The designations employed in this section of the website do not imply the expression of any opinions whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

The Host Country: Malaysia

World Tourism Day Celebrations

World Tourism Day has been held on 27 September each year since 1980. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970, paving the way for the establishment of UN Tourism five years later.

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UN Tourism and the UN system

Since becoming a Specialized Agency of the United Nations in 2003, the World Tourism Organization has been playing a vital role within the UN System and the international community , while building on the Delivering-as-ONE (ONE UN) concept at all levels. 

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Why Tourism?

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

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