National Tourism Day

A family, dressed in colorful tourist outfits, standing in front of a famous landmark, holding a map and pointing at a direction.. — National tourism day illustration

Grab your map, dust off your suitcase, and join us in celebrating National Tourism Day - undoubtedly the most legitimate excuse to plan your next grand adventure. Or to just daydream about it for now!

When is Tourism Day?

It's national tourism day on the 25th January.

Where It All Began

Our dazzling National Tourism Day first emerged from the mess of the World Wide Web, and its popularity has been travelling faster than the Eurostar on an ice-cold track ever since. The day made its debut appearance around the internet's buzzing forums and chatter boxes alike, totting up a total of 4758 mentions online. The most, however, were collected on 25th Jan 2021, when the chatter seemed to reach the scale of a fully-fledged carnival.

All About National Tourism Day

Every year, National Tourism Day is the passport to a world of wild imaginations. It's the day when everyone has an excuse to spend ungodly hours browsing travel websites and envying Instagram travellers and their filters. It's about cherishing jet-setting joys, adventures in bustling cities, tranquil retreats into nature, and those awful yet amusing touristy faux pas. All without the need to leave your comfy couch!

Why Celebrate It?

Beyond fantasies of lazing on sun-drenched beaches or hiking scenic mountain trails, National Tourism Day holds a deeper philosophy. It promotes the cultural exchange and economic positivity that tourism brings along. It's about recognising the bonds we create when we venture onto foreign soil and experience life through a different cultural lens. So, in honour of National Tourism Day, let's take a moment to admire the wonder of tourism in all its wanderlust inducing glory. Who knows? You might find yourself marking a new destination on that world map!

History behind the term 'Tourism'

1811

Birth of the term 'tourism'

In 1811, the term 'tourism' was coined by William Smith, an English merchant. He used this word to describe the act of individuals traveling for pleasure, rather than for business or necessity. This marked the beginning of the term's usage and its association with leisure travel.

1841

Thomas Cook and the organized tour

In 1841, Thomas Cook, a British businessman, organized the first recognized guided tour. Cook arranged a rail journey for a group of individuals from Leicester to Loughborough, offering a complete package that included travel, accommodations, and meals. This marked a significant step in the development of organized tourism and laid the foundation for the modern travel industry.

1901

Expansion of the tourism industry

By the early 20th century, the tourism industry had expanded significantly. The emergence of luxury ocean liners, such as the RMS Titanic, allowed travelers to embark on long-distance voyages in unprecedented comfort. This era saw the rise of travel agencies and companies catering to the growing demand for leisure travel experiences.

1945

The United Nations and tourism

In 1945, the United Nations established the International Union of Official Travel Organizations (IUOTO), which aimed to promote tourism and facilitate international cooperation in the industry. This marked a global recognition of the importance of tourism as a means of cultural exchange, economic development, and fostering international understanding.

1950s

Mass tourism takes off

During the 1950s, the concept of mass tourism gained popularity. Increased affluence, improved transportation infrastructure, and advances in technology, such as jet aircraft, made international travel more accessible and affordable for a larger part of the population. This era witnessed the rise of popular vacation destinations and the development of large-scale resorts catering to the growing number of tourists.

21st century

Sustainable tourism and experiential travel

In the 21st century, the tourism industry has been increasingly focused on sustainable and responsible practices. Travelers are seeking more authentic and experiential travel experiences, promoting cultural immersion and minimizing negative impacts on the environment and local communities. This paradigm shift highlights the growing awareness of the importance of preserving natural and cultural heritage for future generations.