World Tourism Day 2021: Theme, History & Celebrations In Tamil Nadu

As a part of the world tourism day event, the Keeladi archaeological site was thrown open to the public on Sunday and Monday between 9 am and 3 pm.

Chennai: Who does not like a walk along a seashore, a trek on a hill or a chance to see and admire artifacts especially after multiple lockdowns imposed across the country to Covid-19 infection. The lockdown had not just cut the wings of the travellers but also the financial stability of those who are dependent on tourists. This is why celebrating world tourism day which falls on September 27 has become more important than ever. 

Theme:

This year, the theme for world tourism day is ‘tourism for inclusive growth’ as restarting tourism would help to kickstart recovery and growth following the Covid-19 pandemic which had both social and economic impact on the countries.   

History: 

Since 1980, world tourism day has been celebrated every year on September 27 as the date marks the adoption of the Statues of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1970 which in turn paved the path for the establishment of UNWTO five years later. According to UNWTO, the period chosen to celebrate world tourism day was appropriate as it comes at the end of the high season in the Northern hemisphere and the beginning of the season in the Southern hemisphere. 

Celebrations in Tamil Nadu:

As a part of the world tourism day event, the Keeladi archaeological site was thrown open to the public on Sunday and Monday between 9 am and 3 pm and more than 1,000 people had visited the site till Sunday evening, according to a Times of India report. 

The report said that the site was opened for the public for the first time since the seventh phase of excavation began in Keeladi and its cluster villages. The visit was organized by the South Tamil Nadu Association of Travel and Tourism (STATT) in association with the state archaeology department. 

In another event, Tamil Nadu tourism minister M Mathiventhan flagged off a heritage walk, as a part of world tourism day, for college students from the secretariat. The walk commenced from the water gate in Fort St George and went on to Kings Barrack, Clive palace, The Cornwallis Cupola, St George Fort Museum, North Street, Parade Square, St Mary's Church, Walaja Gate, St Thomas Gate, St Thomas street and before coming to an end at St George gate, according to a DT Next report.