World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on September 27th, is a tribute to the importance of travel in connecting cultures, enriching experiences, and promoting mutual understanding among people worldwide. This special day recognizes tourism as more than just a means of leisure or economic gain—it is a gateway to new experiences, cultural exchanges, and personal growth. To honour this day, here are some insightful quotes from industry leaders who reflect on the significance of travel, its impact on communities, and how the tourism industry continues to shape our world.
Bulat NurmukhanovDeputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee: Cultural Immersion and Global Understanding
Tourism is a truly remarkable field, having always been more than just a type of leisure or merely a source of revenue for individual regions or cities. Tourism is primarily a way to get immersed in new cultures and experience history. Tourism expands your horizons, as you get to see new natural landscapes and meet new people, which in turn allows for a deeper understanding of the world and mankind. When you learn of the achievements and values of other cultures, you cannot help but become a more accepting, understanding and tolerant person.
The Moscow City Tourism Committee does everything in its power to bring these ideas to life through the development and implementation of its programs. The effectiveness of these efforts can be measured by statistical data and feedback from people who have visited Moscow.
We have recently conducted a large-scale survey among foreign tourists. We found out that the landmarks that left international travellers with the most vivid impressions were the Red Square and Kremlin, VDNKh, Arbat, Gorky Park and the Bolshoi Theater. Notably, Red Square was particularly memorable for tourists from non-CIS countries (67%), while residents of neighbouring countries (13%) were most impressed by VDNKh. But Moscow attracts foreign guests not only with its popular landmarks but also with recreational activities unusual for a metropolis.
The plan for Moscow’s tourism development until 2030 emphasizes the importance of cultural tourism and ways to expand it. Currently, half of the guests of the capital visit a museum, an exhibition or an art space. Theatres and sports events are popular among tourists as well.
Moscow is also rightfully considered to be a gastronomic capital: every seventh tourist goes to a restaurant from the world’s and national best-rated lists. The city sets trends in this field by launching large cultural and gastronomic projects, and it boasts quite a variety of options, from budget street food to haute cuisine restaurants.
We are proud that the tourist influx to the capital in 2023 amounted to 24.5 million tourists, nearly reaching pre-pandemic figures. The Moscow City Tourism Committee continues to work persistently by developing new tourism destinations, helping representatives of the tourism industry to establish relations with foreign colleagues and organizing large-scale festivals in the city – all of which, we believe, will greatly boost tourist traffic to Moscow.
Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels & Resorts: Building Bridges through Cultural Experiences
“On this World Tourism Day, I am reminded that tourism is more than just destinations; it’s about the connections we forge along the way and the cultural experiences we offer, each time. As travellers embrace cultural immersion, it helps us cultivate and promote understanding and peace.
At Roseate Hotels and Resorts, we celebrate diversity by offering our guests the chance to explore a diverse world cuisine across our food and beverage outlets besides offering unique traditional and regional cuisines. We also prioritize awareness of the various cultures, religions, and practices of our guests, which enriches the experience for everyone.
A key aspect of this is personalization. By understanding and anticipating the unique needs and preferences of our guests, we create tailored experiences that make each visit feel special. Moreover, we empower our team members with language skills and cultural training, enabling them to engage meaningfully with our multicultural guests. This commitment to connection fosters enriching experiences and a spirit of respect and understanding that transcends borders.
As we honour the essence of travel today, let’s continue to build bridges that unite us, ensuring that every journey taken with Roseate Hotels and Resorts is a step towards a more peaceful and harmonious world.” — Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels and Resorts
Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director India Subcontinent and MEA at Agoda: Affordable Travel for Everyone
“Tourism is about more than travel, it’s about connecting people with the world. through travel. And even better if this doesn’t break your bank balance. This World Tourism Day, Agoda celebrates the joy of discovering new cultures and destinations at prices that make travel easier than ever. As borders open wider for Indian travellers, we at Agoda invite all travellers to see the world for less, creating unforgettable memories without a hefty price tag. Whether you are uncovering hidden gems across India or planning your next global adventure, Agoda is here to make your journey affordable and full of wonder. Let’s explore more, spend less, and bridge the world through travel.“
Sanjay Sethi, CEO and Managing Director, Chalet Hotels Limited: Supporting Tourism as a Force for Positive Change
“We are proud to be part of an industry that not only showcases the cultural richness of India but also contributes to the social and economic upliftment of communities. The Government of India’s proactive initiatives, such as the e-Visa facility, the Swadesh Darshan scheme, and the PRASHAD program, are driving remarkable growth in the tourism sector. With India projected to become the fifth-largest travel and tourism market by 2027, these initiatives are enabling a more seamless and enriching travel experience while promoting sustainable and inclusive development.
As we look towards the future, we remain committed to supporting these efforts and ensuring that tourism continues to be a force for positive change, both for our nation and the world.”
Naresh Rawal, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Resorts World Cruises: The Joy of Cruising
“On Tourism Day, we are reminded of the ability to experience joy in simple ways brought to our lives through travelling. It is more than just visiting new sites and destinations; it is living an experience that takes us out of a normal plodding routine, expands the horizon of what is possible within our lives, and connects us with the world in meaningful ways. Travel provides us with lots of stories to tell, memories to enjoy, and an increased reflection on the beauty that surrounds us. In many ways, it has become an integral part of living a wholehearted life.
Cruising adds another level to the experience. There’s magic to this mode of travel, especially on open seas. There is a feel to open voyages, where adventure traverses and touches peace along the way. And Resorts World Cruises embodies that spirit, offering travellers not destinations but a way to experience the world in comfort and style. You can enjoy a meal with your loved ones, indulge in world-class entertainment, indulge in spa treatments, or indulge in retail therapy with some of the most renowned fashion brands on board.
So let us celebrate travel today, not just for where it might take us, but also for how it makes our lives richer and closer to the world and ourselves.”
Vinay Bagri, Co-founder and CEO, Niyo: Driving India’s Travel Growth
“India’s growing middle class and increasing incomes are driving the rise in outbound travel. Additionally, India’s soft power diplomacy is shaping global travel industry trends. According to the Henley Passport Index, there are 62 countries where Indian passport holders can travel visa-free. As a pioneering travel banking platform, Niyo has seen a 60% growth in international travel over the past year: 55% among leisure travellers, 70% in student travel, and 25% in business travel. Interestingly, 40% of the customers we onboarded were first-time international travellers”
Conclusion: Celebrating the Power of Tourism
As these quotes highlight, tourism is about more than just visiting new places. It’s about connecting with the world, learning from other cultures, and fostering a spirit of understanding and cooperation. Whether it’s affordable travel options, cultural immersion, or personalized experiences, the tourism industry plays a vital role in bringing people together. On this World Tourism Day, let us celebrate the power of travel to inspire, unite, and enrich our lives.
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