World Tourism Day and Board Games: Connecting Cultures, One Game at a Time
Each year on September 27, the world unites to celebrate World Tourism Day. Established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), this day highlights the importance of tourism in fostering global understanding, cultural exchange, and economic growth. This year, as we embrace travel and exploration, we recognize another trend that also celebrates culture, strategy, and social interaction: board games.
While the relationship between tourism and board games may not seem obvious at first, both provide an incredible opportunity to experience and learn about different cultures, histories, and traditions. Let’s dive into how these two worlds intersect and how they contribute to fostering global connectivity.
Board Games: A Journey Across Cultures
Board games have been enjoyed for thousands of years, with ancient games like Senet in Egypt, Go in China, and Chess in India reflecting deep cultural roots. These games have served as forms of entertainment, education, and social bonding for centuries. As modern board games evolve, they often integrate themes and mechanics that explore geography, culture, and history.
Take for example games like Ticket to Ride, where players race across maps, connecting different cities by train routes, giving them a sense of geographical awareness and history. Similarly, games like Tokaido offer players a serene journey across Japan, immersing them in the country’s culture through a blend of art, cuisine, and historical landmarks.
As more games draw inspiration from real-world locations and cultural themes, they provide an engaging platform for players to “travel” the globe, even when physical travel is limited. These games allow participants to explore new regions and traditions while sitting around the table with friends and family.
How Tourism and Board Games Go Hand in Hand
- Cultural Discovery: Much like tourism, board games open a window into the heritage, traditions, and customs of different countries. Games based on global cities or historical events encourage players to learn about destinations they may never have considered visiting.
- Bringing People Together: One of the key objectives of World Tourism Day is to promote cultural exchange and understanding. Similarly, board games foster social interaction, encouraging players to engage in friendly competition or cooperative play while learning something new.
- A Sense of Adventure: Both tourism and board games ignite a sense of adventure and curiosity. While traveling to a new country involves discovering local sights and experiences, playing a board game can be a mental journey filled with strategy, discovery, and the joy of navigating new challenges.
- Sustainability: The tourism industry is increasingly focused on sustainability, and board games align with this goal by providing eco-friendly entertainment that can be enjoyed multiple times without the environmental impact of long-distance travel.
Bringing World Tourism to Your Table
If you’re a fan of both travel and board games, consider adding a few travel-themed games to your collection. Here are some recommendations that will take you on an adventure without ever leaving home:
Ticket to Ride
Age: 8+ / Players: 2-5 / Duration: 45-60 minutes
The Ticket to Ride series is one of the most successful modern board game series ever launched. This popular game has players embark on a cross-country train adventure, where they compete to claim railway routes connecting cities in various countries around the world. Simple-to-learn, and fun-to-play, the game keeps players engaged by requiring continuous strategic thinking and a dose of opportunism.
Word Traveler
Age: 14+ / Players: 2-5 / Duration: 30-45 minutes
In this cooperative game, you and your friends are on a 2-day trip to an exciting new city! As a visiting tourist, you’ll have to try to communicate as best you can to give clues to the locals (the other players) about the place you want to visit! But here’s the catch: Much like asking for directions in a foreign language, you have only a few words to communicate where you want to go. Bon voyage!
Carcassonne
Age: 7+ / Players: 2-5 / Duration: 45-60 minutes
Inspired by the medieval fortress in southern France of the same name, Carcassonne is a tile-laying game in which players fill in the countryside around the fortified city. Players choose from tiles that depict cities, roads, monasteries, and fields; each new tile placed creates an ever-expanding board on which players can then add their followers. Players score points by having followers on features as they’re completed. The player who makes the most strategic placements of tiles and followers will score the most points and win the game.
Century – Spice Road
Age: 8+ / Players: 2-5 / Duration: 30-45 minutes
In Century: Spice Road, players are caravan leaders who travel the famed silk road to deliver spices to the far reaches of the continent for fame and glory. On their turn, players will establish trade routes, harvest spices, or fulfil demands for spices.
7 Wonders
Age: 10+ / Players: 3-7 / Duration: 30-45 minutes
Perfect to sate that desire for exploration, this epic civilization-building game has you lead one of the seven great cities of the ancient world. Leave your mark on the history of civilization by building an architectural marvel to transcend the ages! And 7 Wonders boasts several versions and expansions, offering players new challenges and adventures.
Exploring the World, One Game at a Time
World Tourism Day serves as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of our planet, encouraging us to explore and connect with others. While nothing can fully replicate the experience of stepping foot in a new country, board games offer a creative and fun alternative. Whether you’re navigating a bustling city, exploring a tranquil countryside, or reliving historical events, these games give you a chance to experience the richness of the world’s cultures.
This year, in addition to packing your bags for a trip, consider gathering around the table with friends for a travel-inspired board game night. It’s a journey of discovery that brings the world to you, one game at a time.
Happy World Tourism Day!
Liked these games? Find out where you can find them, here.