On this World Maritime Day, celebrated under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, TOURISMER reaffirms its special consideration for the Indian Ocean and its unwavering dedication to promoting the nations that border it.

The Indian Ocean is not only a vast maritime corridor but also a cradle of life, livelihoods, and opportunity. As the world recognizes the ocean’s role in sustaining 80% of global trade, TOURISMER shines a spotlight on this unique region where commerce, culture, and conservation converge.

A Crossroads of Trade and Culture

Stretching from Africa’s eastern coast to the shores of Southeast Asia and Australia, the Indian Ocean is a vital hub for global shipping, fisheries, and tourism. Its waters sustain millions of people and serve as a lifeline for some of the world’s most climate-sensitive nations — from small island states like the Maldives and Seychelles, to coastal powers such as India, Kenya, and Madagascar.

The Indian Ocean is widely recognized for its role in maritime trade, yet it is far less known for the richness of its culture, the diversity of its people, and the stories carried by its shores. Its exceptional biodiversity and the vitality of the communities living along its coasts invite the world to discover another dimension of the region — one that extends beyond shipping lanes and commerce. This deeper perspective encourages us to envision a new type of tourism, rooted in authenticity, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship, which can drive inclusive and sustainable development.

A Region of Challenges and Opportunities

Like all oceans, the Indian Ocean faces pressing challenges: climate change, marine pollution, illegal fishing, and the growing pressures of trade. Yet it also presents opportunities for resilience and growth through the blue economy, eco-tourism, and marine conservation initiatives.

World Maritime Day 2025 underscores the pressing need for balance. TOURISMER actively supports all notable global initiatives while firmly rooting its advocacy in the reality of the Indian Ocean.

A Shared Responsibility

As the UN Secretary-General reminded the world: the ocean is not just a highway for commerce, but a force of life and hope. TOURISMER embraces this truth, recognizing that the Indian Ocean is both a responsibility and an opportunity.

On World Maritime Day 2025, TOURISMER calls upon governments, industries, and citizens alike to honor their obligation to the sea — ensuring that prosperity and protection go hand in hand, today and for generations to come.

World Maritime Day Parallel Event in the UAE

In addition to the global celebration, the World Maritime Day Parallel Event will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 29 September to 1 October 2025.

The UAE’s selection as host is particularly symbolic. Positioned at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean region, the Emirates have long been a hub for maritime trade, aviation, and logistics, connecting East and West. Their ports are among the most active in the world, and their investments in sustainability and tourism reflect the future-oriented vision that the Indian Ocean itself embodies.

By hosting the event, the UAE highlights its dual role as a guardian of maritime heritage and a driver of innovation, providing a platform that aligns with TOURISMER’s mission to promote the Indian Ocean as both a trade route and a cultural and ecological treasure.

The Indian Ocean is much more than a sea; it is a lifeline, a cultural treasure, and a source of inspiration. TOURISMER stands ready to champion its future.