Every year, on September 27th, the world comes together to honor World Tourism Day, a celebration of exploration, cultural connection, and the incredible impact of travel. In 2025, we celebrate with the theme: “Celebrating The Transformative Power of Travel.”

Travel has always been more than simply moving from one place to another. It is a journey of the heart, mind, and soul. It opens doors to diverse cultures, fosters understanding, and helps us rediscover our shared humanity. From walking through ancient ruins that whisper stories of the past to savoring street food that bursts with local flavor, every moment of travel shapes us in profound ways.

One of my very first trips in my 20s took me to Egypt, where I marveled at the pyramids and spent three unforgettable days sailing on the Nile aboard a traditional felucca. With none of the modern conveniences I was accustomed to back home, I was fully immersed in Egyptian culture, experiencing life in its simplest, most authentic form. That journey taught me that travel is about perspective, it’s about realizing how small we are, and yet how interconnected our stories can be.

This year’s celebration reminds us of the powerful role travel plays in:

1. Bridging Cultures and Building Understanding
In Vietnam, I joined a cooking class that began with sourcing fresh ingredients from the bustling local market. The market was alive with color and energy: vibrant green herbs piled high, and baskets overflowing with exotic fruits I had never seen before. Vendors called out their prices, the sizzle of street food stalls mixed with laughter and chatter. Each stall held a story, and each ingredient was a connection to the local culture. Back in the kitchen, I learned traditional recipes passed down through generations, and though we came from different corners of the globe, the act of cooking and sharing food created an immediate sense of belonging.

Later in Vietnam, we stayed in a shack at a farm nestled in the middle of a jungle along the Mekong River. Waking up to the sounds of the jungle, I shared breakfast with a pet pig named Bacon, who seemed just as curious about my presence as I was about the surroundings. The simple joy of feeding animals and eating breakfast while gazing at the river reminded me that the most transformative travel experiences often happen in the quiet, unexpected moments. Travel breaks down barriers and encourages respect, empathy, and compassion. Meeting locals, sharing stories, and learning traditions are some of the most transformative parts of any journey.

2. Supporting Sustainable Development
While cruising through the South Pacific Islands, the kids stopped at local markets to buy coconuts from a friendly vendor, while I picked up handmade jewelry, hula skirts, and leis crafted with care. Buying these souvenirs instead of mass-produced items is an excellent way to contribute to sustainable travel, supporting local artisans and preserving the unique culture of the islands. These small interactions and purchases help ensure that tourism nurtures communities rather than harming them.

3. Inspiring Personal Growth
Celebrating Holi in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna in India, was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. As colors flew through the air and music filled the streets, I felt surrounded by pure joy and love in a way I had never experienced before. Strangers embraced each other, united in the celebration of togetherness.

The energy of Holi taught me that travel can be a profound catalyst for letting go of preconceived notions and embracing life with openness and vulnerability. Joining in the celebrations, laughing with locals, and feeling the vibrancy of shared human joy reminded me that the transformative power of travel lies not only in the places we visit but in the connections we forge and the emotional growth we experience along the way.

But Holi is just one example of how travel has inspires personal growth in me. I’ve stood in solemn silence at ANZAC Cove in Gallipoli, remembering the ultimate sacrifices made for our freedom.

I’ve walked along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, retracing the path of Jesus to his crucifixion, feeling the weight of history and faith at every step.

I’ve sat in the back of an open jeep in Sri Lanka, marveling as majestic elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat, reminding me of the importance of protecting the wild and living harmoniously with nature.

In Japan, I observed snow monkeys bathing peacefully in hot springs surrounded by winter’s chill, a reminder of the calm presence and resilience we can find within ourselves even in challenging conditions.

Even in my own backyard, travel has transformative power. Walking in the steps of our First Nations people at Uluru, I felt a profound connection to the land and its ancient stories. The sacred rock and surrounding landscapes offered lessons in respect, humility, and the enduring significance of culture and heritage, reminding me that exploration and learning are not limited to distant lands.

Every journey is also an inward one, travel challenges us, broadens our horizons, and deepens our gratitude for life itself. It teaches adaptability, resilience, humility, and appreciation for the beauty in diversity.

As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2025, let us reflect on our journeys, past, present, and future. Whether it’s exploring a hidden gem in our own country, savoring street tacos at midnight in Mexico City, or witnessing the northern lights in Iceland, a Sense of Adventure is Required and travel will transform us and the world around us.

So, where will your next journey take you and how will you embrace the transformative power of travel? ?

#WorldTourismDay #WTD2025