Dr. Bharti Gupta
On 27th September, World Tourism Day is celebrated globally under the auspices of the United Nations through the United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism), formerly known as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Each year, the UN Tourism selects a specific theme to highlight the role of tourism in addressing global challenges. This year’s theme is “Tourism and Peace.” This article delves into how tourism can act as a powerful force for promoting peace and fostering social harmony, and why its role is increasingly vital in today’s interconnected world.
Tourism, a service sector, is a business for those involved in the supply chain and is one of the leisure activities for those who wish to spend their leisure time seeing other areas of attractions. Tourism has unique features related to its phenomenon: the movement of people from their normal place of residence to the place of attraction called destination.
The tourism process therefore involves people being at some other place, far from the usual place of residence for the consumption of the experience-based tourism product creating consequential dependencies to meet the routine basic needs and the special needs that arise from the expectations of the tourismic experiences from the varied systems related to people, culture and environment of the place visited. Therefore, when tourists interact with locals in a new destination, in the process of the varied interactions, they learn about the host culture and also gain a deeper understanding of the shared humanity. Tourism allows individuals to step outside their familiar surroundings and experience the ways of life, traditions, and values of other cultures. This cross-cultural exposure plays a critical role in breaking down stereotypes and prejudices, which are often the root causes of conflict.
For example, programs such as cultural exchanges, heritage tourism, and volunteer tourism (voluntourism) enable participants to immerse themselves in destination communities, building mutual respect and understanding. These interactions sow the seeds of tolerance, as visitors come to appreciate diverse ways of thinking and living. In return, host communities often develop more favorable views toward visitors, fostering a spirit of unity. The economic benefits of tourism are also seen as a pathway to peace. In regions where poverty and unemployment are catalysts for social unrest, tourism can provide much-needed jobs, income, and investment opportunities. By driving economic growth, tourism helps stabilize vulnerable communities and reduces the appeal of extremism or conflict as a means of survival.
In post-conflict regions, tourism has often been instrumental in rebuilding economies and restoring hope. One of the most notable examples from India where tourism has played a crucial role in supporting post-conflict recovery is Kashmir.
The Kashmir Valley, known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and heritage, has faced decades of conflict and political instability. However, tourism has been instrumental in aiding the region’s recovery and fostering peace and reconciliation. The Kashmir conflict, rooted in political disputes and violence, significantly impacted the lives of locals, disrupting livelihoods and deteriorating the region’s social fabric. The revival of tourism became a beacon of hope for the people of Kashmir.
Tourism played a vital role in reviving the local economy by creating employment opportunities for thousands of Kashmiris. The region’s tourism industry, which includes houseboats, shikara (boat) rides, handicrafts, and hospitality, offered a lifeline to those affected by years of conflict. This economic stability has contributed to reducing social unrest by providing livelihoods, particularly for the youth, who are often the most vulnerable during conflicts. The influx of domestic and international tourists to Kashmir has also helped bridge the cultural divide. Tourists visiting from different parts of India and the world get to experience the unique culture of the Kashmiri people. This interaction has fostered a sense of mutual understanding, reducing the isolation felt by Kashmiris during years of conflict. Such exchanges have gradually helped shift the narrative from conflict to collaboration and peace. Another example from India is the transformation of Sikkim, a region that experienced political instability in the 1970s when it merged with India. In the aftermath of these political tensions, tourism played a key role in bringing about economic and social stability in the region.
Today, Sikkim has become a model for eco-tourism, emphasizing sustainable development and peace. The state’s focus on clean, green tourism has created jobs, improved infrastructure, and brought together diverse ethnic communities. Sikkim’s peaceful transition from conflict to a stable society is an example of how tourism can act as a pillar for lasting peace and development.
Therefore, it can be said that in a post-conflict scenario, tourism has served as a medium for reconciliation. Tourism can act as a form of soft diplomacy, allowing countries to interact with one another on a person-to-person basis. International tourism provides an opportunity for nations to build relationships beyond political or economic frameworks. These exchanges often serve as the foundation for diplomatic ties and peaceful negotiations.
One notable example is religious tourism or pilgrimage to the Kartarpur Corridor. The corridor allows Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit the holy site in Pakistan without needing a visa. It has created a space for religious and cultural exchange despite the often tense political relationship between India and Pakistan. By focusing on shared religious heritage, both nations have demonstrated that tourism can serve as a neutral platform for easing political tensions. The initiative fosters goodwill and understanding between the people of the two nations, using religious tourism to connect people divided by borders but united by shared faith and history.
Similarly, India and Nepal share a close historical, cultural, and religious relationship, which is reinforced by religious tourism. Thousands of Indian pilgrims visit Nepal every year, especially to places like Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu and Muktinath in Mustang. Similarly, many Nepalese pilgrims visit important Hindu and Buddhist sites in India, such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. The free movement of pilgrims between the two countries without the need for a visa strengthens people-to-people ties and enhances bilateral relations. Tourism is a tool for cultural diplomacy and soft power too. For instance, by promoting Buddhist heritage tourism, India strengthens ties with countries where Buddhism is widely practiced. For instance, the annual influx of Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Japan, Thailand, and other nations fosters people-to-people connections and enhances India’s soft power in the region.
While tourism holds great potential to promote peace, it is not without its challenges. Unregulated tourism can lead to cultural exploitation, environmental degradation, and economic inequality.
In some cases, tourism has even exacerbated tensions, particularly when local communities feel marginalized or overwhelmed by mass tourism. To truly foster peace, tourism must be developed and managed responsibly. Here comes the role of Sustainable tourism encompassing responsible tourism practices.
This emphasizes respect for local cultures, environments, and economies. By promoting responsible tourism practices, destinations encourage visitors to engage with communities in a manner that preserves their way of life while supporting development. This respectful exchange fosters long-term peace by ensuring that tourism’s impact is positive, rather than exploitative.
Tourism holds immense potential as a tool for fostering peace, unity, and understanding across cultures and nations. However, to fully harness this potential, it is imperative that policymakers and all stakeholders-governments, tourism operators, local communities, and travelers, tourism educationists-recognize the transformative power of tourism.
By promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices, they can ensure that tourism not only drives economic growth but also contributes to the betterment of society. Efforts must be made to create policies and initiatives that leverage tourism as a force for social harmony, cultural exchange, and long-term peace. It is through this collective responsibility that tourism can truly become a catalyst for positive change in our increasingly divided world.
(The writer is Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Central University of Jammu)
