World Tourism Day: Tourism and Peace

27 Sep 2024

Introduction

Tourism, one of the world’s largest industries, is far more than a leisure activity, it is a global force that influences economic, social, and cultural dynamics. With the easing of global restrictions following the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector has begun its recovery. The significance of this revival is particularly relevant as we approach World Tourism Day on September 27, a date that commemorates the adoption of the Statutes of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1970. This day offers a moment to reflect on the interconnectedness of tourism and peace, especially how sustainable and inclusive tourism can contribute to global harmony. In this blog, we will explore the historical context of tourism and peace, examine how tourism promotes peace, and address the challenges the sector is facing in the present times.

Historical Background: The Roots of Tourism and Peace

The concept of tourism and peace can be traced back to ancient times when travel was primarily undertaken for trade, diplomacy, and religious pilgrimages. These early forms of tourism promoted cross-cultural exchange, which helped in dialogue and understanding among diverse civilisations. The Silk Road, which connected the East and West, is a classic example of how trade routes enabled cultural and economic exchange and reduced tensions between disparate societies.

Likewise, in modern history, the idea of tourism as a promoter of peace gained momentum with the establishment of the UNWTO in 1975. The organization's founding principles emphasized tourism’s potential to contribute to mutual understanding, peace, and prosperity. The aftermath of World War II also saw a surge in international tourism as countries opened their borders to rebuild economic ties. In the present times, we see how, in response to COP26, the UN Tourism (UNWTO) now aims to create a NetZero TOURISM Facility to achieve sustainability through green investments and international cooperation.

Tourism and Peace: An Interconnected Relationship

Tourism and peace share a symbiotic relationship. Peaceful societies are essential for the flourishing of tourism, while tourism can be a catalyst for peace by promoting dialogue, tolerance, and economic development. The link between tourism and peace can be understood through several key factors:

Cultural Understanding and Exchange: Tourism facilitates direct interaction between people of different backgrounds and increases mutual respect and understanding. In the context of tourism, Mark Twain aptly stated, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness”. It has been seen that exposure to diverse cultures helps break down stereotypes, promotes tolerance, and encourages acceptance of differences. As travelers experience new environments, they understand the local challenges, culture, traditions, and science behind many Indigenous practices directly and indirectly. In doing so, they understand the similarities and problems we share as a civilisation, which gives them a sense of global citizenship.
Economic Growth and Stability: According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the tourism industry contributes nearly 10% of the global GDP and employs one in ten people worldwide. This economic contribution is particularly significant in developing nations, where tourism creates jobs, boosts local economies, and promotes infrastructure development. This is particularly evident when we look at how 80% of the sector comprises small and medium-sized businesses. Many of these businesses are individual or family-owned enterprises. While this can indicate the industry's fragility, it also has the potential to create development at the grassroots. This financial stability, in turn, creates peace by reducing poverty, inequality, and social unrest, especially in regions that need a sustainable transition from fossil fuels, like Indian states such as Jharkhand, Orissa etc.
Strengthening Governance and International Cooperation: Tourism promotes good governance by encouraging governments to create stable, secure, and welcoming environments for visitors. Countries with strong tourism sectors often prioritize rule of law, transparency, and the equitable distribution of resources, all of which are pillars of peace. International organizations, such as the UNWTO, and forums like the G20, promote collaboration among nations to enhance tourism’s role in peacebuilding and sustainable development.
Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Development: Sustainable tourism practices, such as eco-tourism and responsible travel, contribute to peace by preserving cultural and natural heritage. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

How Tourism Promotes Peace?

Positive Peace Index and Tourism: The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) defines “Positive Peace” as the structures, institutions, and attitudes that create and sustain peaceful societies. Tourism directly influences several pillars of positive peace, including sound business environments, acceptance of the rights of others, and the equitable distribution of resources. The IEP’s research highlights a strong correlation between tourism sustainability and peaceful societies, where cultural exchange and economic opportunity reinforce social stability.
Cultural Diplomacy: Tourism also serves as a tool for soft power, allowing nations to promote their values, traditions, and cultural heritage on the global stage. India’s G20 presidency, for instance, emphasizes “Cultural Diplomacy” through the promotion of its rich heritage, tolerance, and diversity. By welcoming visitors with the spirit of "Atithi Devo Bhava" (the guest is equivalent to God), India showcases its commitment to peace, unity, and cooperation.
Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding: In post-conflict regions, tourism can play a significant role in rebuilding communities and fostering reconciliation. Rwanda’s transformation into an eco-tourism destination after the 1994 genocide is a prime example. The government’s investment in wildlife conservation and tourism infrastructure, such as gorilla trekking, has not only revitalized the economy but also helped heal the scars of conflict. Similarly, in Nepal, the government’s “Peace Responsive Tourism” initiative also encouraged tourism to promote dialogue, education, and non-violence.

Challenges to Peace through Tourism

In the contemporary times, several factors present challenges for tourism to use its full potential including:

Political Instability and Conflict: Political unrest and violence remain major obstacles to tourism. Countries affected by conflict, such as Ukraine, Syria, and Afghanistan, face significant barriers to tourism recovery. The Global Peace Index (GPI) has shown a steady decline in global peacefulness over the past decade, with conflicts, terrorism, and political instability contributing to the deterioration. While tourism can thrive in non-conflict zones, it remains vulnerable to disruptions in security and governance.
Terrorism and Safety Concerns: Terrorist attacks targeting tourists, such as the Tunisia beach shooting in 2015 or the 2018 Egypt bus bombing, have short-term effects on tourism, leading to travel advisories and reduced visitor numbers. Although tourism often recovers once the threat subsides, repeated incidents can have long-term consequences on a country’s tourism sector.
Environmental Degradation and Climate Change: The rapid growth of tourism has placed immense pressure on fragile ecosystems, leading to environmental degradation. The UNWTO’s goal of achieving net-zero tourism emissions highlights the need for innovative solutions to balance tourism growth with environmental sustainability. Without responsible tourism practices, climate change and resource depletion could exacerbate conflicts over land, water, and biodiversity, undermining the peace-promoting potential of tourism.
Economic Inequality: While tourism can reduce poverty and inequality, it can also contribute to economic disparity if benefits are not equitably distributed. The concentration of tourism infrastructure and services in certain regions or among large corporations can marginalize local communities, leading to social unrest. Ensuring that tourism benefits all stakeholders, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and indigenous populations, is essential.

Suggestions for Promoting Peace through Tourism

To use tourism as a tool for peace, several key strategies can be adopted:

Inclusive Tourism Development: Governments and international organizations should prioritize policies that promote inclusive tourism development. This involves supporting SMEs, investing in local infrastructure, and ensuring that tourism benefits are distributed equitably among communities. By empowering local populations, especially women and marginalized groups, tourism can become a driver of social and economic inclusion.
Sustainable Tourism Practices: To minimize the negative environmental impact of tourism, stakeholders must adopt sustainable practices such as reducing carbon emissions, promoting eco-friendly travel, and supporting conservation efforts. The UNWTO’s push for net-zero emissions by 2050 is a crucial step in aligning tourism with global climate action goals. Educating travelers about responsible tourism practices can also contribute to environmental preservation and peacebuilding.
Strengthening International Cooperation: Collaboration among governments, the private sector, and international organizations is essential for peace through tourism. Forums like the G20, the World Economic Forum (WEF), and the UNWTO should continue to promote tourism as a tool for peace, and encourage countries to prioritize the sector in their post-COVID recovery plans. Public-private partnerships can unlock innovative financing solutions for sustainable tourism projects, and ensure that the sector remains resilient to future shocks.
Gender Equality in Tourism: While approximately 65-70% of the tourism workforce consists of women, though only 12-13% hold managerial roles. Therefore, empowering women in tourism could also lead to greater social equality and better economic outcomes.
Promoting Cultural Diplomacy: Nations should also focus on leveraging tourism as a form of cultural diplomacy, via showcasing their heritage and values to the world. This not only promotes peace and mutual understanding but also enhances a country’s soft power. India, for example, can continue to use tourism to promote its rich cultural diversity, tolerance, and unity, positioning itself as a global leader in peace through tourism.

Conclusion

As the world reopens and tourism regains its momentum, it presents a unique opportunity to contribute to global peace and stability. World Tourism Day serves as a reminder of tourism’s potential to increase cultural understanding, promote economic development, and strengthen governance. However, realizing this potential requires concerted efforts to address the challenges of political instability, terrorism, environmental degradation, and economic inequality. By adopting sustainable and inclusive tourism practices, investing in local communities, and promoting international cooperation, tourism can become a powerful force for peace in the 21st century.

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