The United Nations Tourism General Assembly, which has just concluded its 26th session in Riyadh, has confirmed El Salvador and Cabo Verde as the official host countries for the 2026 and 2027 editions of World Tourism Day, respectively.
The announcements follow recommendations made by the UN Tourism Regional Commissions for the Americas and for Africa during the 123rd session of the Executive Council. El Salvador, endorsed by the Regional Commission for the Americas, will host the 2026 celebration, while Cabo Verde, backed by the African Commission, will take the lead in 2027.
Each year, World Tourism Day highlights a key theme that reflects the industry’s priorities and aspirations. For 2026, the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism” will take centre stage. The focus will be on harnessing technology and artificial intelligence to reshape the global tourism landscape — from enhancing visitor experiences and improving operational efficiency to fostering sustainability through innovation.
In 2027, the theme “Transforming Tourism through Education” will guide discussions and activities. This theme underscores the critical role of education and skills development in shaping the future of tourism. It aims to promote capacity-building, community empowerment, and knowledge-sharing to ensure that tourism remains inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to all.
Both host countries — El Salvador and Cabo Verde — are expected to showcase their cultural heritage, tourism development initiatives, and innovative approaches to sustainable travel as they welcome global leaders, policymakers, and industry players for the annual celebrations.
World Tourism Day, celebrated each year on 27 September, serves as a platform to raise awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political, and economic value. The upcoming editions promise to spotlight how technology and education can serve as powerful tools in driving the continued transformation of the tourism industry worldwide.
