Does tourism bring peace? When you visualize tourists flooding your area, polluting each corner or creating absolute chaos, peace might not be the first thing that comes to your mind. But hold that thought as we explore how tourism can bring peace to your territory to your country with this article.
Why the theme changes each year
September 27 is the day when Tourism Day is celebrated worldwide. And with changing themes each year, this year the theme is "Tourism and Peace". Now, the previous year's theme was Tourism and Green Investment. Why is it Peace and Tourism this year? Why does the theme need to change each year?
Well, to address ongoing global challenges, to highlight different aspects of the Tourism sector. Tourism is not all about contributing to a nation's GDP or solving unemployment problems, and changing themes ensures the sector copes with industry trends by making impacts globally.
How tourism advances peace
First things first, its cultural exchange that makes peace through tourism. How? Imagine landing in a different country with a converse culture; they don't enjoy the sights; they want local customs, rituals, traditions, gastronomy and most importantly, people.
Without mutual respect and understanding of cultures will be absolute chaos. But no, they not only learn your history, you also know how it is to live there, their culture.
This two-way cultural exchange breaks down stereotypes and prejudice and bridges empathy. The result is mutual respect and peace.
It's a no-brainer that tourism helps boost the local economy as well as broader GDP.
It is not just about bringing tourists or having fun. When people visit a country, they spend money on hotels, restaurants, souvenirs and more, which can fast forward to creating jobs, making life better for locals and improving the local economy.
And the job opportunity isn't confined to two to three positions. A hotel in a tourist place will need everyone from busboy to chef and cleaners. And when people have jobs, they can support their families and are less likely to fight with others. Result? Peace! Moreover, economic stability will allow them a better lifestyle, education and healthcare, boosting long-term peace.
Tourists won't visit a place full of social or political unrest and conflict, right? When a country is flourishing in the tourism sector, the government has a greater incentive to maintain peace and political stability to provide tourists safety to the fullest.
This results in positive feedback, repetitive clients, and, let's be real, a destination that promotes strength and peace can attract more tourists. Not just domestic stability, tourism also encourages international cooperation. Alliances between two countries in ensuring safe travel routes or promoting shared cultural heritage not only help strengthen diplomatic ties but also promote peace on a larger or, say, global scale.
Tourism benefits more than just the visitors, or it's not just for recreation. It instils a sense of pride amongst local communities about their heritage and culture and will further result in bringing communities closer to each other.
Locals would be more interested in protecting the heritage, will be more interested in learning more about history to share with visitors, and will actively participate in promoting what makes their home special.
And when youngsters see job opportunities growing with tourism, they are more likely to devote themselves to this industry. They are more encouraged to develop soft skills and less invested in wasting their time on socials and video games. Increased job opportunities will allow workers of all levels to earn bucks from this industry, resulting in limited crime rates.
Tourism might seem chaotic at times, but when done right, it has the potential to promote peace on an international level in a profound way. It bridges between people and countries, creates job opportunities, fights poverty, encourages symphony amongst locals, improves the standard of living, supports education and skill development and whatnot.
It's as simple as packing your bags for a new destination or saying hello to a tourist.
Where would you like to go for your peace-building adventure? Share with the writer at rahmanmegh1234@gmail.com
