From 19 September to 9 October, at the National Library of Belarus a book exhibition “Tourism in the epoch of globalization is a world opened to everyone” devoted to World Tourism Day works in the Documents of International Organizations Reading Room (room 207g).

This day was established on the third session of the General Assembly of the International Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on September 1979. And it is annually commemorated on 27 September since 1980. The date was chosen because the Statute of the UNWTO was accepted on September 27, 1970. The aim of the holiday is the propaganda of tourism, elucidation about its contribution to economy of the world society and the development of cultural connections, and providing of mutual understanding between nations.

International tourism has a strong influence upon economic development and employment in many countries. As UNWTO specialists estimate every 8 able-bodied man in the world in 2010 was engaged in this sector of economy. In some countries tourism is the main way of annual revenue.

Besides influence on economy in many countries, international tourism effects on their social and cultural life. The development of tourism strengthens cultural connections, provides mutual understanding and knowledge of traditions and people principles of other countries. In 2010, 940 millions of tourists passed international frontiers. Acquaintance with various ways of life, interesting and unusual traditions, and visiting of sight-seeings are the main impellent motives for travel and bring together millions of people.

Tourism gets people in a good mood, strengthens health, brings positive emotions, and so World Tourism Day is solemnly commemorated in most countries of the world. It is the holiday of everyone who just once has felt oneself as a traveler, got away of mundane everyday life. And it doesn’t matter where to go it can be a sea, mountains, a forest, a river or other picturesque places which are so many on our planet.

At the same time it is a professional holiday for those who deals with tourism business, and provides comfortable and safe vacation. Tourist gatherings, holiday events and festivals devoted to tourism and tourism business are organized in this day.

Annually the International Tourism Organization proclaims the theme of the holiday. The 2011 World Tourism Day is held with the motto “Tourism – Linking Cultures” and aimed at determining of the role which tourism has in breaking down of barriers between cultures and creating the atmosphere of patient, respect and mutual understanding. In our disconnected world these values represent levels on the way to more peaceful and stable future.

On the exhibition there are on display over 60 documents (books, brochures, periodicals, mimeographed materials). The most part of the exposition are the documents of international organizations (UN, UNWTO, UNESCO, the European Council, and EU) on Russian, French and English languages.

The exposition includes the following thematic sections:

Legal providing of international tourism – international recommendations, standards, legal acts;
International tourism and stable development: role and importance of tourism in social and economical development of countries and regions;
The role of tourism in strengthening of cultural connections, mutual respect and understanding between nations;
Economy, organization and management of international tourism;
The development of tourism industry and tourism business in the Republic of Belarus.

The exhibition can be useful for specialists in the field of tourism, organizers of tourism business, students of tourism specialization, and also for everyone who is interested in international tourism and likes traveling.

References:

Documents:

Tourism in the epoch of globalization is a world opened to everyone

Informational resources

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