United Nations World Tourism Day is marked annually on 27 September and in 2025 carries the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” We take this as an opportunity to reflect on the work of Tourism Watch at Bread for the World – and on what still matters today – so that human rights and our planetary boundaries remain firmly at the centre of tourism development.
One of our core concerns is shared decision-making by local communities in destinations and their participation in value creation, so that quality of life improves on the ground. This is precisely where community-based tourism comes in. Our guest author from India, Sumesh Mangalasseri, shows how community-based tourism has been evolving, why local communities must be recognised as political actors, and how advocacy can support this shift.
We also invite you on a journey through our newsletter themes over the years. It shows that many debates we put on the agenda early on remain highly relevant today – such as climate justice, human rights and child protection in tourism, touristification, digitalisation, and decolonisation. In an interview with tourism expert Christine Plüss, we discuss why international networks are essential to advancing sustainable tourism worldwide. Finally, we look back at the founding of Tourism Watch and highlight industry initiatives that have emerged from our advocacy work for a fair, environmentally and socially sustainable tourism.
Much has changed in the tourism sector, yet sustainability standards are under political pressure – and even though many travellers would like to travel more sustainably, price often has the final say. Clear policy frameworks, corporate responsibility, and genuine participation are therefore more important than ever.
