World Tourism Day (WTD) is held annually on 27 September. Its purpose is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The event seeks to address global challenges outlined in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to highlight the contribution the tourism sector can make in reaching these goals. WTD 2014 is being held under the theme Tourism and Community Development - focusing on the ability of tourism to empower people and provide them with skills to achieve change in their local Communities WTD is the perfect time to reflect upon your responsibilities and impact as a traveler visiting other communities. Remember: Buy local Respect the culture you are visiting Protect heritage Save energy Protect the surroundings Respect the environment Do’s and Don’ts As you TRAVEL Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must not litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in municipal dustbins only. Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures. Cut noise pollution. Do not blare aloud radios, tape recorders or other electronic entertainment equipment in nature resorts, sanctuaries and wildlife parks. In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source. Respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before taking a photograph. Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal. Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing. Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite. Do not leave cigarettes butts or make open fires in the forests. Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild. Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets. Respect local traditions. Polythene and plastics are non biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be used and littered. World Tourism Rankings by UNWTO World Tourism Day Celebrations in INDIA It is celebrated with the great interest by the various tourism enterprises, organizations, government agencies. Varieties of competitions are held at this day such as photo competitions promoting the tourism, tourism award presentations including free entries, discounts/special offers to the general public. Tourism has become the continuously growing because of the occurrence of various attractive and new destinations for the tourists. It has become the main source of income for the developing countries Eco- Tourism INDIA What is Eco-tourism? eco-tourism means making as little environmental impact as possible and encouraging the preservation of wildlife and habitats