Argentine Chamber of Deputies Officially Recognizes World Travel Journalists Day

The National Chamber of Deputies of Argentina has formally adhered to the annual celebration of World Travel Journalists Day, observed every September 5, and has declared the International Week of Travel Journalism as an event of national interest. The global initiative is promoted by the World Organization of Travel Journalism (Organización Mundial de Periodismo Turístico, OMPT).

The legislative body officially recognizes World Travel Journalists Day, highlighting the essential contributions of specialised travel journalists. These professionals play a key role in tourism communication, destination promotion, cultural diversity dissemination, nature conservation, and the advancement of responsible tourism practices.

The official recognition takes place within the framework of the International Week of Travel Journalism. From September 1 to 7, 2026, a series of international activities will gather travel journalists, communicators, researchers, and tourism professionals from across the globe in La Plata, Buenos Aires, and Jujuy. The entire event series is organised and led by the World Organization of Travel Journalism (OMPT).

The Chamber’s resolution values a global celebration that originated in Argentina. On September 5, 2018, during the 8th International Congress of Travel Journalists held in Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, tourism communication professionals officially designated September 5 as World Travel Journalists Day. The declaration was promoted by OMPT and supported by universities, public institutions, and tourism industry entities from multiple countries.

Since its establishment, the annual observance has aimed to acknowledge the unique value of travel journalism. This specialised journalistic field fundamentally shapes destination branding, disseminates cultural and natural heritage, and delivers credible, responsible information for travellers, local communities, and tourism industry stakeholders.

A Global Week Dedicated to the Travel Journalism Profession

The parliamentary recognition coincides with a full schedule of international events organised by OMPT across Argentina.

On September 2, the 9th International Tourism Leaders Forum was held in La Plata, themed “Beyond the Algorithm: Humanising Communication in the New Tourism Era”.

On September 3, the 10th International Tourism Leaders Forum took place in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires under the theme “Innovating for Communication: The New Tourism Paradigm”. The official celebration of World Travel Journalists Day will be held on September 5 in Maimará, Jujuy. Finally, the 18th International Congress of Travel Journalists and Tourism Professionals will run on September 7 in San Salvador de Jujuy, with the theme “When Destination Communication Generates Real Travel Experiences”.

The International Week of Travel Journalism brings together global specialists, journalists, communicators, academics and tourism practitioners to address core challenges in modern tourism communication. Amid technological transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence, the event focuses on reinforcing the human dimension of destination storytelling.

A Legislative Honor for Destination-Building Journalism

The Chamber of Deputies also emphasised that travel journalism drives tourism development, boosts the visibility of regional economies, strengthens destination positioning, and supports the professional growth of all stakeholders within the tourism value chain.

For OMPT, this official recognition marks a milestone for the profession. For decades, travel journalists have professionally showcased global territories, cultures, local communities and authentic travel experiences to international audiences.

World Travel Journalists Day, celebrated annually on September 5, honours ethical, responsible tourism communication that respects local identities, preserves cultural diversity and protects territorial environments.

With this legislative recognition, the National Congress of Argentina highlights the pivotal role of travel journalists in the modern tourism industry. Today’s destination communication goes far beyond simply recommending travel destinations — it defines how places are perceived, understood and experienced worldwide.