September 27 — World Tourism Day A world that is traveled is also cared for 🌍
Every September 27, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reminds us why travel remains one of the most powerful ways to discover, sustain, and protect our destinations. This year, from Puno and Cusco, we celebrate with all the strength of the highlands.
THE ORIGIN
Why is it celebrated on September 27?
The date was not chosen at random: it commemorates the day in 1970 when the Statutes of the UNWTO were approved, the United Nations body dedicated to promoting responsible, sustainable, and accessible tourism for all. Since 1980, this day has been celebrated every year to highlight the social, cultural, political, and economic role of tourism in the world.
1970
The UNWTO Statutes are approved at its founding assembly — the milestone commemorated every September 27.
1979
In Torremolinos, Spain, the UNWTO General Assembly officially establishes World Tourism Day.
1980
The first edition is celebrated, marking the beginning of an annual tradition present throughout the world.
2026
The date falls on a Sunday: a perfect invitation for short weekend getaways through the southern Andes.
THEME 2026
This year’s motto
Each edition revolves around a theme that the UNWTO defines in advance. For 2026, with the official host in El Salvador, the focus is on technology.
Official host 2026: El Salvador
“Digital agenda and artificial intelligence to redesign tourism”
The motto seeks to promote technological innovation and digital transformation to achieve a more inclusive and modern tourism sector. At Great Trip World we live it every day: from booking your tour via WhatsApp to the itinerary we tailor to your trip, technology helps us bring Puno, Cusco, and the highlands closer to the rest of the world.
WHY IT MATTERS HERE
Tourism in the southern Andes, in figures
Puno and Cusco are not just another destination on the map: they are two of the territories where tourism directly sustains entire communities, from the families of the Floating Islands of the Uros to the guides and artisans of Machu Picchu.
3,812 m
Height of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and the heart of experiential tourism in Puno.
7
Wonder of the Modern World less than 5 hours from Puno: Machu Picchu, in the very heart of Cusco.
100%
Of visits to the Uros and Taquile directly sustain the family economy of the lake’s communities.
CELEBRATE IT BY TRAVELING
Four ways to experience World Tourism Day with us
1) Floating Islands of the Uros
Sail by speedboat to the islands built entirely of totora reeds and get to know up close a way of life that has endured for centuries on Lake Titicaca. Ideal for a short outing full of history.
2) Taquile Island
Recognized by UNESCO for its textiles, Taquile welcomes you with lake viewpoints, local gastronomy, and the tranquil rhythm of a community that lives from weaving and conscious tourism.
3) Chullpas of Sillustani
Just minutes from Puno, the pre-Inca funerary towers of Sillustani rise in front of Lake Umayo in one of the most photographed sunsets of the highlands.
4) Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
From Puno or directly to Cusco, the Inca citadel remains the most recognized symbol of Peruvian tourism in the world — and the reason thousands of travelers cross the planet every year.
Great Trip World joins the celebration 🎉
For World Tourism Day, take advantage of our special discounts on the most requested circuits of the southern Andes.
26/09/2026