World Tourism 2025: Embracing Wanderlust with a Conscience

There’s an undeniable magic in setting foot in a new place, where even the sky feels different, painted in hues you’ve never seen before. The air carries a new rhythm, the horizon stretches with unfamiliar landscapes, and every detail whispers that you’ve arrived in a place waiting to be discovered. Travel greets us with scenes that awaken our senses, broaden our horizons and remind us of our shared humanity.

Every year on September 27, the world comes together to celebrate World Tourism Day, a day that not only honours the joys of travel but also reflects on the impact tourism has on culture, ecology, and economies. It’s a chance to pause, to understand and to ask ourselves: how can we travel better, not just farther?

In 2025, the theme is “Tourism & Sustainable Transformation.” More than just buzzwords, this theme is a timely reminder that tourism must evolve toward more responsible, equitable, and environmentally friendly models if it is to thrive without harming the places and people we cherish.

Related Article: 7 ways you can travel responsibly and protect the nature

History & Significance of World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day was officially established by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in 1980 to commemorate the adoption of its Statutes on September 27, 1970. Since then, this day has served as a platform to highlight tourism’s power in promoting peace, cultural exchange, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.

Why does World Tourism Day Matter?

Tourism is a critical contributor to global economies. From creating jobs in remote destinations to helping preserve heritage sites, tourism plays many roles. But as tourism has grown, so have its challenges: overtourism, environmental degradation, inequality and carbon emissions. World Tourism Day helps bring these issues to light.

As per sources* - International tourist arrivals grew 5% in Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024. Travel & Tourism is expected to contribute about $11.7 trillion in 2025, which is approximately 10.3% of global GDP.

Also read: How to Raise Environmentally-Conscious Children

World Tourism Theme 2025 & Its Importance

The 2025 World Tourism theme - “Tourism & Sustainable Transformation” calls on all travellers, businesses and governments to reimagine tourism beyond just growth. It demands good governance, informed planning, social equity, environmental protection, and resilience.

• Governance & Strategy: Ensuring places have tourism policies that protect heritage, landscapes and local communities.
• Sustainability & Equity: Making sure economic benefits reach local populations; preserving nature; ensuring that culture isn’t eroded by mass tourism.
• Resilience: Adapting to climate change, economic pressures and global uncertainties.

Where Every Stay is a Story of Sustainability

As the world celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 with the theme “Tourism & Sustainable Transformation,” Club Mahindra Resorts showcase how holidays can be both memorable and sustainable. The Club Mahindra Kumbhalgarh, Madikeri, and Ooty Resorts have been awarded the prestigious IGBC Platinum Certification, while the Club Mahindra Udaipur Resort proudly holds the Gold Certification.

These recognitions highlight Club Mahindra’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, from energy conservation to community support, proving that tourism can create lasting memories while protecting the planet for future generations.

Related Article: Perfect Holiday in India for Every Kind of Travellers with #CMSafeStay

Top Destinations & Ideas for Travellers

To celebrate World Tourism Day this year, here are destination ideas and travel styles that align with the theme — adventure, culture, sustainability, and enrichment:

Related Article: Don't Be A Tourist, Be A Traveller. Here's How

Tips for Responsible/Sustainable Travel

Travel with intention can reduce harm and amplify positive impact. Here are practical ways you can be a better traveller in line with sustainable transformation:

1. Choose eco-friendly accommodations — Look for certifications, green practices, and minimal waste.
2. Support local businesses — Eat local food, shop from local artisans, hire local guides.
3. Minimise carbon footprint — Travel slower, use buses or trains, pack light, avoid unnecessary flights.
4. Respect culture and environment — Follow “leave no trace” principles; understand local customs; stay on marked trails.
5. Give back — Participate in community tourism projects, conservation efforts, or volunteer where appropriate.

How Club Mahindra is Contributing

At Club Mahindra, holidays are designed to create joy today while protecting tomorrow. Here’s how:

• Sustainable Stays Across Resorts: From eco-lodges in the Western Ghats to IGBC Platinum-certified resorts in Kumbhalgarh, Madikeri, and Ooty, every stay blends comfort with green practices like energy conservation, water recycling, and waste management.
• Empowering Local Communities: Our resort partners with artisans, local guides, and farmers, ensuring that tourism directly benefits the people and cultures that make destinations special. Guests often highlight these authentic local experiences in their positive reviews, calling them a “soulful” part of their holidays.
• Contributing Beyond the Stay: A portion of membership-driven initiatives goes toward environmental projects like Enrich life, Protect Nature, and Provide Relief and Rehabilitation Support.
• Member-First Sustainable Travel: With over 290,000+ happy members, Club Mahindra makes it easy to choose sustainable vacations through Club Mahindra memberships.

With Club Mahindra, families don’t just collect memories, but they contribute to a greener planet and leave positive reviews about holidays that are both enriching and responsible.

Conclusion

As we approach September 27, World Tourism Day 2025 invites us not just to travel but to travel responsibly. To harness the power of tourism to transform lives, uplift communities, preserve natural beauty, and give back.

Let this be a year where every trip we take leaves a positive legacy on the local people, local culture, and the environment. Let’s travel thoughtfully and make every journey count.

Related Article: What is Responsible Tourism and How We Can Choose to Travel More Responsibly