Wednesday, May 28, 2025
As the global tourism sector continues to grow rapidly, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization has released its official message for the 46th World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27. The theme for this year, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” calls attention to the urgent need to protect the environment, uphold justice for tourism workers, and promote Christian hope amid a growing global movement of travelers.
World Tourism Day is an initiative endorsed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a specialized agency of the United Nations that works with governments to promote responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism worldwide. According to the UNWTO, tourism represents 10% of global GDP and employs 1 in 10 people worldwide, making sustainability and justice in this sector critical for future development.
Vatican’s Call for Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Practices
In the message, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, emphasizes the responsibility all stakeholders share to protect the Earth’s resources and promote just tourism practices. The message aligns closely with global sustainability efforts, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and Goal 13: Climate Action.
Archbishop Fisichella underscores that the rapid increase in global mobility demands a more conscious use of natural resources, warning that current consumption patterns pose serious threats to both environmental health and human well-being. In this context, he calls for the adoption of sustainable lifestyles among travelers and the tourism industry alike, urging a balance between economic growth and ecological preservation.
Governments worldwide have similarly acknowledged the need to make tourism more sustainable. For instance, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office advocates for eco-friendly tourism practices that reduce carbon footprints and protect cultural heritage sites. Likewise, the European Union’s Directorate-General for Tourism promotes policies to ensure tourism growth does not compromise environmental quality.
Justice for Tourism Workers: A Central Theme
Justice remains a key pillar of the Vatican’s message. Archbishop Fisichella highlights that tourism must be underpinned by fair treatment and just wages for those working in the sector. The global tourism workforce, including millions of low-paid workers in hospitality and services, often faces precarious employment conditions.
The International Labour Organization (ILO), a UN agency dedicated to labor standards, stresses fair wages, decent working conditions, and workers’ rights as essential to sustainable tourism development. The Vatican’s message echoes this, condemning speculation and profit-driven exploitation that marginalizes workers and communities.
Archbishop Fisichella warns of the dangers posed by overcrowding and uncontrolled tourism growth, which in some destinations leads to social tensions and environmental degradation. However, he is optimistic that technological tools and timely interventions can help manage these challenges, reflecting a broader global push toward “smart tourism” policies that use data and innovation to balance tourism demand with local capacity.
Tourism’s Role in Promoting Human Dignity and Spiritual Reflection
The Vatican’s message also highlights the unique contribution of Christian communities in welcoming pilgrims and tourists. Shrines and religious sites, which attract millions annually, are encouraged to maintain their sacred character as places of spiritual comfort and reflection. This aligns with the Vatican’s broader mission during the 2025 Jubilee Year, a special Holy Year dedicated to renewal, forgiveness, and hope.
The Jubilee Year offers a valuable opportunity to inspire sustainable use of resources and foster hope among communities affected by tourism. By emphasizing silence, prayer, and dialogue, shrines can serve as sanctuaries in a fast-paced, often overwhelming world of travel, thus deepening the spiritual dimension of tourism.
The Ninth World Congress on the Pastoral Care of Tourism
In a significant announcement, Archbishop Fisichella revealed that Rome will host the Ninth World Congress on the Pastoral Care of Tourism from October 16-19, 2025. This global gathering will bring together Church leaders, tourism professionals, and policymakers to reflect on the intersection of tourism, evangelization, and human development.
The Congress aims to explore how tourism can be leveraged not only as an economic activity but also as a means of fostering cultural exchange, promoting human dignity, and advancing the Church’s mission worldwide. Such efforts complement international government initiatives like the UNWTO’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, which advocates respect for local cultures, sustainable practices, and ethical responsibilities of all actors.
Global and Governmental Support for Sustainable Tourism
The Vatican’s message is part of a wider international movement toward sustainable tourism that governments actively support. For example:
- The U.S. National Park Service encourages visitors to practice “Leave No Trace” principles, minimizing environmental impact while enjoying natural sites.
- The European Commission’s “Tourism for All” policy framework includes measures for sustainable development, cultural preservation, and social inclusion.
- Governments of countries heavily reliant on tourism revenues, such as Italy and Spain, have adopted national tourism strategies emphasizing green tourism and community well-being.
These governmental frameworks reinforce the Vatican’s call for justice, care, and environmental responsibility within tourism, highlighting the importance of collaborative global action.
Conclusion
The Vatican’s 2025 World Tourism Day message offers a comprehensive vision of tourism that balances environmental sustainability, economic justice, and spiritual enrichment. By urging all stakeholders—from tourists to governments, from local communities to international organizations—to work together, the Church positions tourism as a powerful tool for positive transformation.
As the world prepares to mark the 46th World Tourism Day on September 27, the message encourages reflection on the responsibilities that come with increased global mobility and the opportunities to foster a tourism sector grounded in respect, justice, and Christian hope.
The forthcoming Ninth World Congress on the Pastoral Care of Tourism in Rome promises to advance this dialogue, reinforcing the role of faith communities and public institutions in guiding tourism toward a more sustainable and humane future.
