Marlene Mortler, chairwoman of the German Tourism Committee, sees tourism as a means to promote international understanding: “Travel can go beyond mere recreation and play a part in promoting mutual understanding among people of different nations,“ said Mortler, member of the political party CSU, in light of the upcoming World Tourism Day, to be celebrated on September 27 under the theme of “Celebrating Diversity“. “The scope of cultural diversity that travelers can experience in our world is enormous,” said Mortler. “What’s important is for travelers to be respectful towards other cultures, people, and the environment.”

Mortler underscored the economic significance of travel. “In many holiday destinations, tourism has already made great contributions to the respective countries’ economic development. In many places, tourism offers the opportunity to fight poverty and promote social and ecological development,” said the politician. “This opportunity must now be used more efficiently with special consideration to the issue of sustainability.” Mortler pointed out that tourism may promote traditional, nature-friendly economic branches and contribute to the preservation of oftentimes rich natural potential by means of, for example, the institution of nature reserves.

World Tourism Day will be celebrated for the 30th time this year. As host country, the West African state of Ghana will be holding the official festive events.