Published: 27 September 2021
For over 40 years the countries represented by the United Nations have been celebrating World Tourism Day on this date.
Aimed at marking the impact of the industry on everything from the economy to culture, it’s an opportunity for all of us to talk about the sites and attractions we love.
This year’s theme is ‘tourism for inclusive growth’, recognising that the past 18 months have had a huge impact on the sector in both developed and developing countries.
There’s also an understanding that the industry will play an important part in kickstarting recovery for economies around the world.
To inspire your love of travel, both near and far, we asked some of the lecturers from our Tourism, Hospitality and Events department to share their favourite places to visit.
Lila Milone
“It’s very difficult to only pick one tourist site because there are so many places in different parts of the world that I admire.
In London it is the Victoria and Albert Museum, I see it as a cultural hub for both tourists and locals.
Further afield, I love New York, especially 5th Avenue with its powerful energy, and Brooklyn and Brighton Beach for their eccentric residents.
But one I think about a lot is the Kazan Kremlin in Russia. It is a distinctive citadel with a rich history linked to Ivan the Terrible.
This unique place is in my hometown of Kazan, and I love walking around with my friends when I go over for visits.
So, like I said earlier, it is hard to choose just one place. I could go on forever!”
Dr Vipin Nadda
“I originally come from the Himalayas, so I’ve always been close to nature.
That’s why one of my favourite tourist spots is the Isle of Skye.
It’s got beautiful landscapes and coastlines, plus lakes that radiate out from the mountains and streams that could be taken straight from a fairy tale.
Everything there is mesmerising and gives visitors a unique and soothing experience.”
Fotios Vasileiou
“My favourite place in the world to visit is the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
When you go, you get this real sense of the whole weight of 2,000 years of human effort.
The people that built it created a lasting culture and established the idea of modern democracy.
It represents the start of so many freedoms we take for granted today.”
Help us celebrate World Tourism Day this year by sharing your favourite places to visit with the University of Sunderland in London community.
Send your stories and pictures to our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #WeAreSunLon.