Given the importance of tourism to not only the global economy but also to individual communities, the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) annually encourages people around the world to celebrate and participate in World Tourism Day. The UNWTO originally launched World Tourism Day on September 27th 1980, in recognition of the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes. In his message for World Tourism Day 2015, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonnoted that "This year´s World Tourism Day highlights the global potential of tourism for socio-economic development. With more than one billion international tourists now traveling the world each year, tourism has become a powerful and transformative force that is making a genuine difference in the lives of millions of people. The potential of tourism for sustainable development is considerable. As one of the world’s leading employment sectors, tourism provides important livelihood opportunities, helping to alleviate poverty and drive inclusive development".
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Given the importance of international tourism to Malaysia, the Nature, Adventure and Tourism Club (NATC) from the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts (HTCA) were this year's organising committee at Taylor's University for the event. The event was officially launched by the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, YB Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin. He was quoted in The Star saying that "I am pleased to note the strategic collaboration between the Tourism and Culture Ministry and Taylor’s University in organising this significant event, which is in line with the global theme One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities….This is definitely a way to enhance awareness among the youth here today, our leaders of tomorrow, on the importance role tourism plays in fostering socio-economic development of a nation". Activities during the day not only included various presentation - but also cultural booths that showcased the traditional foods, costumes and games of nine countries. Furthermore, an Orang Asli demonstration on fire-making and blowpipe was given as well as a tourism quiz, a "Passport to the World' challenge and the event ended with a series of cultural performances. Click here to find out more about the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts (HTCA).