World Tourism Day: Tourism and Peace, a partnership for development

27-09-24

September 27 is World Tourism Day, a date established by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to raise awareness of the impact of this industry on the social, cultural, political and economic development of countries. This year, under the theme “Tourism and Peace,” a key relationship is highlighted: peace is an indispensable element for tourism development, and tourism, in turn, can be an engine for building more peaceful and prosperous societies.

Tourism, as an economic activity, cannot fully develop without the existence of a peaceful environment. Tourists seek destinations where they can enjoy enriching experiences in a safe environment. Peace is, therefore, a prerequisite for the arrival of travelers to a country or region. Without stability, natural, historical or cultural attractions lose their ability to attract visitors. This not only affects the economy of destinations, but also the well-being of the communities that depend on tourism.

In this context, we can say that without peace, there is no tourism. In regions where violence or internal conflicts prevail, tourists avoid traveling, directly affecting the local economy. However, beyond the economic impact, the lack of tourism also hinders cultural exchange and the international visibility of these territories, which can keep these regions in a state of isolation.

But tourism is not only a passive recipient of peace; it can also be a catalyst for the creation of a harmonious environment in societies. When a region or country experiences a steady flow of visitors, development opportunities open up that can contribute to economic, social and political stability. Tourism generates employment, encourages investment in infrastructure and improves the quality of life of local populations. This development creates an environment more conducive to mutual understanding, tolerance and respect between cultures.

Contact between tourists and local communities promotes intercultural understanding, which reduces prejudice and fosters global solidarity. Tourists are not only consumers of experiences; they are also ambassadors who carry with them the values of respect and peace when they interact with other cultures. In this sense, tourism has the potential to contribute to building a culture of peace in the destinations they visit.

As societies become more aware of the role of tourism in their development, peace becomes a more valued and, therefore, more demanded commodity. Communities that experience the benefits of tourism in terms of employment, infrastructure and economic opportunities realize that peace is essential to maintaining and improving these conditions. In this way, tourism not only benefits regions in times of peace, but also creates an awareness in societies of the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment to ensure continued development.

Sustainable tourism development also fosters greater commitment on the part of authorities and civil society to maintain a peaceful environment, as political and social stability becomes a value that transcends the economic and encompasses general well-being. A community that benefits from tourism has more incentives to advocate for peace, because it understands that violence or conflict can destroy the progress achieved.

Tourism is undoubtedly a vehicle for the development of territories, and this development must take place within a framework of sustainability that guarantees environmental protection and respect for local cultures. Without peace, sustainable tourism cannot prosper, but when tourism contributes to economic growth and social stability, a virtuous circle is created in which peace and development are mutually reinforcing.

The Tourism and Society Think Tank is firmly committed to promoting tourism as a tool for global development, recognizing that peace is an essential requirement for this activity to fully develop. The Think Tank believes that stability and social harmony are fundamental pillars for tourism to thrive and, consequently, drive economic growth and social cohesion in the territories.

Through its research and programs, the Tourism and Society Think Tank advocates for the creation of policies that reinforce peace as an indispensable condition for tourism. At the same time, it promotes the idea that tourism is not only a passive recipient of peace, but also an active generator of environments of stability and development. This commitment includes working with governments, international organizations and local communities to foster greater awareness of the role tourism can play in building a peaceful future.

The Tourism and Society Think Tank promotes initiatives that highlight how tourism can help heal divided societies, reduce tensions and generate employment, thus contributing to stability and progress. It also promotes responsible and sustainable tourism, ensuring that tourism development is inclusive, respectful of local cultures and capable of fostering long-term peace.

This commitment is reflected in its recommendations and projects, which underscore the importance of peace not only as a favorable environment for tourism, but also as a priority objective to be promoted by all actors in the sector.