Ballarat is doing its share to celebrate World Tourism Day, with the city remaining in the top three Victorian tourism destinations.

World Tourism Day is being celebrated internationally today, Tuesday 27 September.

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Craig Fletcher said tourism was one of Ballarat’s top six most valuable industry sectors.

“Tourism brings to our city significant economic and social benefits particularly in regards to jobs and economic investment. 

“Tourism in Ballarat has a total annual output of $409.3 million with a further $167.7 million of value add to the local economy. It is also one of our city’s most significant employers, accounting for approximately 2,027 jobs.

“These numbers are only expected to escalate with the welcome return of major events to Lake Wendouree, kicking off with the Ballarat Triathlon MultiSport Festival and Under 23 State Championships in November.”

World Tourism Day 2011 will be celebrated under the theme Tourism - Linking Cultures, an opportunity to highlight tourism's role in bringing the cultures of the world together and promoting global understanding through travel. 

In 2010, 940 million tourists travelled to a different country, coming into direct contact with tangible - art, monuments - and intangible - music, food, traditions - culture. World Tourism Day 2011 is a celebration of this unique interaction and aims at furthering understanding of the values of cultural diversity.