GUWAHATI: World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on September 27 since 1980.
The day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of Organisation in 1970 which paved the way for the establishment of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO) five years later.
During its third session held at Torremolinos in Spain in the year 1979, the UNTWO General Assembly decided to organize World Tourism Day commencing from the year 1980.
The particular date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the UNWTO Statutes.
This year the theme of World Tourism Day is 'Rethinking Tourism'.
In Assam, World Tourism Day is being celebrated at Kaziranga.
It is organized by the Assam Tourism Department with a huge cultural procession inaugurated by Tourism Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah in the presence of Agriculture Minister Atul Bora.
The procession was attended by various cultural groups and local people.
According to the Microblogging site, Twitter, Minister Baruah said, "This year the theme is "Rethinking Tourism" and therefore let's rethink tourism and work towards promoting sustainable tourism for building a better world. On that line, took part in a cultural rally at Kohora Kaziranga displaying the colours of various ethnic groups of Assam."
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also greeted and wished in his Twitter post, "Blessed by Maa Kamakhya, adorned with pristine nature, dotted with traces of a wealthy past, rich cultural heritage & diversity, Assam is a paradise for tourists. On #WorldTourismDay, I extend my warm wishes & welcome everyone to visit & explore our beautiful and #AwesomeAssam."
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