Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization announced in a statement that it will not organize an independent ceremony for World Tourism Day 2018 that is to be observed globally on Sept. 27, but noted that visitors will be admitted free of charge to all museums, palaces and other centers under its jurisdiction nationwide on the occasion.
According to the announcement, ICHHTO's decision to opt out of World Tourism Day ceremonies is both out of deference to religious mourning rituals and to avoid multiple similar events, CHTN reported.
This year's tourism day coincides with the mourning period of the Islamic month of Moharram when Iranians commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH), one of the most revered figures of Shia Islam.
The tourism authority will not carry out a separate program, but "provincial offices will have their own special events as before," the statement reads.
Besides, the Iranian Hoteliers Association, the Travel Agents Guild Association and a number of other private tourism companies have each set up their own programs for Sept. 27 and its following week.
Therefore, refraining from holding a parallel event, ICHHTO has pledged support in its statement for the plans organized by the private sector.
World Tourism Day is celebrated every September 27 around the world to raise awareness on tourism's actual and potential contribution to sustainable development.
In previous years, ICHHTO had organized national events which mainly provided a platform for commendation of leading tourism groups.
Digital Age's Potential
This year's official celebration is to be held in Budapest, Hungary, on the theme of "Tourism and the Digital Transformation."
"Harnessing innovation and digital advances provides tourism with opportunities to improve inclusiveness, local community empowerment and efficient resource management, amongst other objectives within the wider sustainable development agenda," UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili was quoted as saying by UNWTO's official website.
In addition, the semi-finalists of the 1st UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition will also be announced during the celebration.
The competition was launched by UNWTO and Globalia, the leading tourism group in Spain and Latin America, to give visibility to startups with innovative ideas capable of revolutionizing the way people travel and enjoy tourism.
