11 Top Tourist Destinations to Explore on World Tourism Day

• Written by Bhawika Khushlani

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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Travelling to different countries is an experience of entering as a guest, embracing warm hospitality, sharing diverse cultures and creating new memories. Many things are not available on search engines or in books; they can only be discovered by being there yourself. Therefore, to encourage people to witness the world's wonderful places and experience different traditions and cultures, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) established World Tourism Day in 1980. Now, a different country hosts the official celebration each year on September 27th.

World Tourism Day Theme for 2025- An Overview

Ever wondered if your vacation could do more than just recharge your batteries?

This year’s World Tourism Day in Malaysia explores that very idea with the theme: “Tourism and Peace” The goal is to go beyond the usual eco-tips and spark a real revolution in how we travel. It's about creating trips that enrich local lives, celebrate unique cultures, and leave our planet healthier. It’s our chance to ensure that the magic of travel is something we can pass down for generations.

Top Places to Visit on World Tourism Day- Visa-free Destinations

The world is filled with surprises that offer a wonderful retreat to your eyes and senses. With a huge list of ideas for World Tourism Day, the only concern is where to plan the next excursion. So, we tried to shortlist some amazing places. Let’s start with visa-free destinations for a hassle-free getaway. Take a look!

Malaysia- The Host

Malaysia is thrilled and honoured to announce that it will be the global host for World Tourism Day 2025! From September 27th to 29th, the heart of the nation's history, the UNESCO World Heritage City of Melaka, will be the centre stage for this prestigious international event.

Flaunting its multiculturalism, delightful cuisine, and historical landmarks, Malaysia is an amazing destination to explore on the occasion of World Tourism Day. Along with this, there are beaches for water sports, rainforests to admire breathtaking scenes, and wildlife experiences for thrilling doses.

Maldives

Picture stepping out of your private villa directly into a warm, turquoise lagoon. The everyday world and its worries would just melt away! Spend your days exploring countless coral reefs, walking on impossibly white sand, or simply doing nothing at all. The Maldives is where you go to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with yourself in pure, tranquil paradise.

Thailand

There are countless reasons why it is called the “Land of Smiles.” Thailand’s natural charm is admirable and attracts travellers from all over the world. There are beaches and islands to enjoy water sports and delight your taste buds with seafood. Its world-famous Thai Massage is a must-have experience, and exploring its bustling markets shouldn’t be missed to observe its local life.

International Historical Retreat on Tourism Day

Diving into historical tales of different cities and witnessing their significant monuments is undoubtedly a heart-pounding experience. If you are a history buff and love to explore ancient ruins, here are some ancient gems to add to your itinerary:

Athens, Greece

From ancient sites to museums, there are countless historical retreats in Athens to enjoy on World Tourism Day. Some of the most famous sites are the Acropolis, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus and the National Archaeological Museum.

• Places to visit: Panathenaic Stadium, Ancient Agora of Athens, Temple of Hephaestus.

Prague, Czech Republic

To witness the Prague grandeur, the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge are among the best ancient sites to include in your itinerary. There are many sites where you can explore magnificent Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture in Prague.

• Places to visit: Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square.

Granada, Spain

Delighting the visitors with its historical sites and charming natural scenes, Granada is a wonderful place to visit in Spain. It is home to The Alhambra, one of the world’s most famous monuments.

• Places to visit: Alhambra, Nasrid Palaces, Cathedral of Granada.

Best Tourist Destinations for Culture Exploration

Spain hosts La Tomatina, a festival of tomato-squeezing, while in India, we celebrate Holi with different colours. This is only one example of how every country has its own culture and celebrates it with great enthusiasm. If you like to take a deep dive into distinct cultures, here are some top destinations to travel to this World Tourism Day.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Explore French colonial architecture and experience unique ancient Vietnamese traditions in Hanoi. Additionally, Hanoi is a hub of delicious street food and coffee scenes, adding an extra dose of flavour to your trip. There are more than 600 temples and pagodas, as well as the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, to explore.

Highlights: Witness Hanoi’s fascinating traditions at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and Hanoi street food tours.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Hailed as the gateway to the famous Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is known for its blissful Ta Prohm Temple and traditional Apsara Dance Show. It is a fantastic spot to explore Cambodia's world-class silk.

Highlights: Apsara Dance performance, and cosmopolitan drinking and dining scenes.

London, U.K.

Home to the world’s oldest underground railway station, London is undoubtedly a hub of art and culture. From historic landmarks like the London Eye to more than 3,000 parks and gardens, the sightseeing experience here is endless. It hosts over 197 festivals annually and attracts travellers from all over the world. Additionally, for fans of the beloved Harry Potter series, the British capital offers a treasure trove of filming locations, inspirational sites, and immersive experiences that bring the wizarding world to life.

Highlights: Explore Harry Potter’s world at King's Cross Station (Platform 9¾), Leadenhall Market, Millennium Bridge, and London Zoo's Reptile House.

Rome, Italy

Witnessing an amusing fusion of ancient ruins and modern life in Rome will surely be a delightful experience for you. Known as a city of fountains, its culinary delights like pasta and cappuccino are world-famous and beckon travellers from all around the world.

Highlights: Food culture tour, Trastevere visit, and Vatican Museums visit.

The Dolomites, Italy

Inspired by Italian, Australian and ancient Rhaeto-Romanic culture, the Dolomites flaunt their Tyrolean heritage. Its natural charm is captivating, and Messner Mountain Museum Corones offers a fantastic retreat for history buffs.

Highlights: Witness incredible Ironwork, castles and churches tours, attending "I Suoni delle Dolomiti" (The Sounds of the Dolomites).

Famous Activities for World Tourism Day Celebration

Every year, during the celebration of World Tourism Day, everyday activities are organised to make the event more engaging. Take a look at these Tourism Day celebration activities:

Enjoy Free or Discounted Entry to Attractions

To encourage outdoor expeditions, many attractions and monuments offer free or discounted entry on the occasion of World Tourism Day. A perfect way to dive into cultural treasures.

Cultural Festivals and Parades Scenes

Cultural Festivals and parades are familiar sights during the Tourism Day celebration. You can enjoy watching cultural performances, music shows, and folk dances. Also, food festivals will be hosted to add an extra dose of charm to the tourism day celebration activities.

Attend Educational Workshops on World Tourism

Tourism boards and educational institutions often organise seminars, workshops, and panel discussions. This aims to spread awareness about global tourism issues, travel trends, new policies, and sustainable tourism practices.

Participating in Creative competitions

One of the best activities on World Tourism Day is to participate in photography and videography competitions. This travel event will allow you to add a touch of creativity to travel experiences by capturing awe-inspiring images or creating intriguing videos.

Plan a Worry-free Tourism Day with Travel Insurance

Travelling is the best way to refresh your soul and take a break from the daily grind. World Tourism Day is a perfect reminder to keep that urge for adventure alive. However, whenever you're travelling, especially abroad, safety should never be overlooked.

Planning a trip requires a significant investment, and an unexpected mishap can lead to regrets and financial stress. To avoid this hassle and keep yourself protected, opting for international travel insurance is a wise decision. It ensures you are covered for:

• Medical emergencies and expenses
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Lost luggage and passports
• Flight delays or missed connections

This World Tourism Day, give yourself the gift of peace of mind. Travel smart, stay safe!

>> Also Read: How Much Luggage is Allowed on International Flights From India?

Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.