Fostering awareness on the social, cultural, political, and economic value of the international community, the College of Economics and Management-Department of Tourism Management (CEM-DTM) led the celebration of World Tourism Day 2025 on September 30, 2025.
This year’s theme is “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, which emphasizes how the tourism industry can be a force for positive change in building sustainable and inclusive communities, protecting cultural heritage, and preserving the environment.
Kicking off the line of activities is the Grand International Costume Parade, wherein TM faculty and students donned the national attire of various countries: Spain, the Philippines, Greece, French Polynesia, Hawaii, and the USA—the latter represented with lively cowboy and cowgirl attire highlighting the global spirit of the tourism industry.
Complementing the parade, a series of booths were set up featuring traditional food, crafts, and displays representing different countries. These booths not only promoted cultural appreciation but also demonstrated sustainable practices in food and product sourcing, in line with the event’s theme.
An exhibit was also mounted, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in tourism development, drawing attention to how tourism can be a force for environmental, economic, and cultural transformation.
The academic segment of the celebration featured a seminar led by program chair Ardolf B. Arce and esteemed faculty member Enrique Antonio F. Villamor, who served as resource speakers. They delivered talks on Tourism 4 A’s, sustainable tourism practices, and the future of agritourism in a changing world.
Adding to the fun and learning, a film screening was held, showcasing movies centered on tourism-related themes. A raffle draw titled “Gandang Watson” also brought excitement and participation among attendees.
Since its inception in 2015, the annual World Tourism Day celebration has become a cherished tradition for the Department of Tourism Management , consistently observed every September. It serves as a platform to not only celebrate the importance of tourism but also to instill in students a deeper understanding of its impact and potential to drive sustainable change.
The celebration underscored the importance of sustainability in tourism while showcasing the commitment of CEM-DTM to promoting cultural appreciation and responsible practices in the industry. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘔𝘳. 𝘌𝘯𝘳𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘳, 𝘋𝘛𝘔 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘺
