National Tourist Appreciation Day

National Tourist Appreciation Day timeline

January 20, 1758

Tour and Tourists

The term ‘tour’ is first used, soon followed by the term ‘tourist,’ referring to participants of tourist events.

May 20, 1838

Sea Cruises

The first tourist trip by the steamship Great Western is the launching point for the development of sea cruises.

July 5, 1841

Thomas Cook Company

As the oldest travel company in the world, the Thomas Cook Company initiates organized tourism.

January 2, 1975

The World Tourist Organization

The United Nations establishes the World Tourist Organization (UNWTO).

National Tourist Appreciation Day FAQs

When is National Tourist Appreciation Day?

In 2027, National Tourist Appreciation Day will be observed on Thursday, May 6. This annual observance is a chance to reflect on the global impact of travel and hospitality.

What is the economic impact of tourism?

Globally, the travel and tourism sector is projected to continue its strong recovery, with forecasts suggesting a return to pre-pandemic levels and beyond. This growth translates into significant job creation and economic development for many nations.

How many people travel internationally each year?

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) anticipates continued robust growth in international travel, with figures expected to surpass 2019 levels. This reflects a strong rebound in leisure and business travel across all regions.

What is the difference between a tourist and a traveler?

The distinction is largely semantic; both tourists and travelers contribute to the local economy and cultural exchange. The term ‘tourist’ often carries a connotation of visiting popular sights, whereas ‘traveler’ suggests a desire for off-the-beaten-path experiences.

National Tourist Appreciation Day Activities

Get some tourist garb

With a little work, you could have your very own tourist "costume." Not that it'll be an everyday outfit, but when you decide to pack up and go, you'll be surprised how much stress you'll avoid by having bought it all already.

Go somewhere new

Get your inner-tourist on! National Tourism Day is the perfect excuse to book that trip you've been talking about for years. Grand Canyon? Do it!

Make a list of dream destinations

While some of the best trips can be spontaneous, there's good reason for extensive planning, too. If hopping on a jet today just isn't in the cards, start thinking about where you'd go right now if you could!

Why We Love National Tourist Appreciation Day

They opt for function over fashion

This can be summed up in two words: fanny packs. They're the classic example of something that everyone acknowledges as useful, but no one wants to be caught dead using. But when we're abroad? Strap on that fanny pack, grab your embarrassingly large hats, and wear them proud!

They're adventurous

You'll have a hard time find a tourist who doesn't like to do new things. It sort-of comes with the territory — so if you're looking for an out-of-the-box time, head to where the travelers go!

They spend money

There's no debate here — tourists spend money. A lot of money. In 2016, more tourists visited Bangkok, Thailand than any other city in the world. According to MasterCard's Global Destination Cities Index from 2016, travelers spent nearly $15 billion in the popular destination last year. That's more than enough to build three replicas of NYC's One World Trade Center building (what WSJ calls "by far the word's most expensive new office tower"), and still have a whole bunch left over.