From September 16 to October 14, a thematic book exhibition “Tourism for Peace and Development” dedicated to the World Tourism Day was opened in the Official Documents Service Department of the National Library of Belarus (2nd floor, room 207).

This day was established at the third session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in September 1979 and has been celebrated annually since September 27, 1980. This date was not chosen by coincidence. It coincides with an important event in the history of tourism development - nine years earlier, on September 27, 1970, the World Tourism Organization adopted its Charter.

The purpose of the holiday is to promote tourism, highlight its contribution to the economy of the world community, and develop ties between peoples of different countries. This event aims to demonstrate the potential of tourism in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Tourism is the ambassador of peace, a reliable means of improving mutual understanding between peoples, spreading knowledge about the rich heritage of various civilizations and ensuring respect for the enduring values of different cultures.

This year, World Tourism Day celebrates its 40th anniversary. This anniversary will be held in very difficult conditions for the tourism industry. Tourism has suffered the greatest losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. No country has escaped the consequences of the pandemic. Travel restrictions and a sudden drop in consumer demand have led to an unprecedented decline in international tourism performance, which in turn has adversely affected the broader economy and resulted in massive job losses. According to the World Tourism Organization, in the first five months of this year, international tourist flows have decreased by more than half, and the decline in tourism export revenues was approximately US $ 320 billion. In total, about 120 million jobs are at risk in the tourism sector. The tourism crisis also poses a threat to wildlife and world cultural heritage programs.

To help governments and private businesses overcome the crisis and restore tourism as an industry that provides decent jobs, stable incomes and protects cultural and natural heritage, the World Tourism Organization has developed Global Recommendations for Resuming Tourism After the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The theme for World Tourism Day 2020, Tourism and Rural Development, is particularly relevant in the current crisis. Positioning rural development at the center of tourism policy through education, investment and technology will help transform the lives of millions, preserve the environment and culture.

Tourism development is one of the priority areas of socio-economic development of the Republic of Belarus. Belarus’ tourism potential consists in natural diversity and beauty, unique historical and cultural heritage. There are over 15,000 objects of historical, cultural, architectural value in Belarus.

The exhibition features over 100 documents: books, brochures, periodicals. Most of the exhibition is made up of documents of international organizations (UN, UNWTO, UNESCO, European Union, Council of Europe) in Russian, French and English.

The exposition includes the following thematic sections:

legal support of international tourism - international recommendations and standards, regulations;
sustainable tourism and sustainable development: the role and importance of tourism in the economic and social development of countries and regions;
the role of tourism in strengthening of cultural ties, mutual respect and understanding between peoples;
economics, geography and organization of international tourism;
development of the tourism industry and tourism business in the Republic of Belarus

The exhibition will be useful for specialists in the field of tourism, organizers of tourism business, students of higher educational institutions of tourism, as well as everyone who is interested in international tourism and loves to travel.

Related links:

Documents:

The opening hours of the exhibition correspond to the library's opening hours.
Admission is by library card or by the ticket of the library's social and cultural center.

For more info: (+375 17) 293 27 28.

Official Documents Service Department

Tourism for Peace and Development

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