Bangladesh, Sept. 27 -- General Antonio Guterres has called for focusing on tourism's importance for people living in rural areas, so they can deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals to leave nobody behind.

"In this most challenging year, let us focus on tourism's importance for people living in rural areas," he said in a message marking the World Tourism Day that falls on September 27.

As well as providing opportunities for people, the UN chief said tourism can play an important role in preserving unique and shared cultures and protecting the biodiversity and the ecosystems that sustain all.

In the 40 years since the very first World Tourism Day, much has changed.

"Demand for travel has soared. The world has opene...