That was the resounding conclusion from the Institute of Tourism’s online Tourism and War summit, held earlier this week as open war rages in Gaza and Ukraine.
“It is our role, as the travel industry, to build peace and work for justice and equality,” said Palestinian peace activist Aziz Abu-Sarah, who also owns socially-conscious tour operator Mejdi Tours.
Abu-Sarah told the webinar people working in travel and tourism should not champion one specific political party or cause, but instead should focus on using the voices to help "those who do not have a platform”.
Founded in 2009, Mejdi Tours offers dual-narrative tours in current and former war zones such as Israel and Palestine, as well as Ireland, where tourists are exposed to narratives from both sides of the conflict.
“It doesn’t mean we don’t speak against injustice or don’t take a stand on how to stop a war, but it means we are careful not to let racism and hatred infiltrate our companies,” Abu-Sarah added.
Abu-Sarah, who is Palestinian, made his comments against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with its impact on neighbouring Jordan another key focus for the webinar’s contributors.
Dr Taleb Rifai, former general secretary of the UN World Tourism Organization, described travel as “one of the best components of peace”.
He said tourism was particularly effective at achieving change at times of peace owing to travellers’ exposure to different cultures and perspectives, broadening their world view and giving them the experiences to influence attitudes in their own countries.
Tourism and peace ‘synonymous’
The webinar was also addressed by John McAuliff, executive director of the Fund for Reconciliation and Development – a US-based non-profit organisation that aims to build connections between Americans and the country’s past adversaries.
"The importance of tourism is that it destroys the narrative of hostility and denial of the humanity of the other side,” said McAuliff, whose work with the fund started post-Vietnam war and has now extended to the US’s relationship with Cuba.
Another focus for the webinar was the role of tourism in the immediate aftermath of conflict; delegates heard how the industry has huge power to foster regional stability by serving as a symbol of peace.
"Tourism and peace are in some ways synonymous,” said Sergii Mirnyi, founder of Ukrainian tour operator Chernobyl Tour.
“When tourism flourishes, it means the place is safe to visit – and that is a very important message, both for locals and for the international community.”
