A Catalyst for Peace and Understanding
By Susmita Ghosh
World Tourism Day, with the theme “Tourism and Peace,” on September 27th, 2024 underscores the vital role tourism plays in fostering harmony and understanding among nations. By bringing people together from diverse backgrounds, tourism can break down stereotypes, promote empathy, and create lasting connections.
Discussing on the significance of the theme for World Tourism Day, Ms. Anchita Singh, Sales & Marketing Manager, B2B, Sheldon Group of Hotels & Resorts mentions, “This year’s theme is a beautiful reminder of the unique role travel plays in bringing the world closer together. Every time we visit a new place, we’re not just ticking destinations off a list, but we’re connecting with people, learning about their lives and sharing a bit of our own world with them. It’s about celebrating our shared humanity and building a more peaceful world, one journey at a time.”
MS. ANCHITA SINGH
SALES & MARKETING MANAGER, B2B SHELDON GROUP OF HOTELS & RESORTS
“The world has recently endured a tumultuous period, grappling with conflicts, pandemics, and the specter of nuclear annihilation. Amidst this global turmoil, the theme of WORLD PEACE resonates more urgently than ever. 2024 presents a critical opportunity to unite in pursuit of a more harmonious future. Bhutan, a nation renowned for its Gross National Happiness philosophy, wholeheartedly supports this cause. As we navigate these challenging times, let us embrace peace as a guiding principle and work together to build a safer, more equitable world.” elucidates Mr. Kinley Wangdi, Founder/Proprietor Phochu Mochu Tours & Treks, Hotel Sacred Rive, Bhutan
MR. KINLEY WANGDI
FOUNDER/PROPRIETOR PHOCHU MOCHU TOURS & TREKS, HOTEL SACRED RIVE, BHUTAN
Further discussing about the significance of the theme Mr. Manish Kelkar, Proprietor, B.G. Tours, Pune states, “Peace and Tourism goes hand in hand. Tourism creates jobs for all sectors of the society; hence peace is required for the industry and people yearns for peace. As the scope of tourism increases, poverty diminishes gradually.”
MR. MANISH KELKAR
PROPRIETOR, B.G. TOURS PUNE
According to Mr. E Banlumlang Blah, Proprietor, Clara Tours, Meghalaya, Tourism and Peace always work mutually. There is no tourism if there is no peace.
MR. E BANLUMLANG BLAH
PROPRIETOR, CLARA TOURS, MEGHALAYA
Mr. Manish B Shah, Proprietor, Heights & Sights, Vadodara expresses,“The theme “Tourism and Peace” resonates deeply with the current global landscape, where divisions often seem more prominent than unity. Tourism has an almost magical ability to dissolve the boundaries that separate us. It’s not just about visiting new places—it’s about connecting with people whose lives are different from our own. This theme is a reminder that every journey we take, whether to a neighbouring town or a distant country, has the potential to be a step towards a more peaceful world.” He further states, “By focusing on “Tourism and Peace,” we acknowledge the power of travel to create not just memories, but meaningful connections that can change the world.”
MR. MANISH B. SHAH
PROPRIETOR, HEIGHTS AND SIGHTS TRAVEL SOLUTIONS, VADODARA
Mr. MP Deepu, Founder & COO SilverWings Holidays asserts, “This year’s World Tourism Day’s theme emphasizes the key role of tourism in promoting peace and understanding across cultures. The significance is to create awareness on social, political and economic values through tourism across the globe. The theme aligns perfectly with Senior World’s Silverwing’s Holidays mission of providing curated travel experiences for seniors. It emphasizes not just leisure but meaningful interactions that bridge cultural divides and promote mutual respect.”
MR. MP DEEPU
FOUNDER & COO, SILVERWINGS HOLIDAYS
One of the most significant ways tourism contributes to peace is through cultural exchange. When people travel to different countries, they have the opportunity to experience first-hand customs, traditions, and values.
Replying on how tourism contributes in raising peace and understanding between nations and cultures, Mr E Banlumlang Blah affirms, ‘Tourism always introduces people to various cultures. Hence it helps Nations towards the direction of better thoughtfulness.
“Tourism is one of the few sectors that brings people from vastly different backgrounds together in a shared space. It encourages us to see the world through others’ eyes, challenging our assumptions and broadening our perspectives. When we learn about another culture by experiencing it first-hand, we not only gain knowledge, but also empathy. This, in turn, fosters a sense of global citizenship—a recognition that despite our differences, we all share the same human experience. Tourism, therefore, is not just a journey of miles, but a journey towards a more understanding and peaceful world,”utters Mr Shah.
“When we travel, we open ourselves up to new experiences and perspectives. Tourism gives us the chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes, for a while. It’s through these genuine, human connections that we start to see each other not as strangers, but as fellow citizens of the world. This understanding is the foundation of peace—knowing that despite our differences, we all share the same hopes and dreams,” says Ms Singh.
Furthermore, Mr. Kelkar, explains, “When we go to other places, we enjoy their food, culture and others, hence feel a strong bonding among us. This cultural exchange provides rich experience to all human beings, help being better citizens.”
Mr. Ankit Jasoria, Proprietor, Travel24Seven Jaipur informs, “Tourism helps in learning history and culture of different regions and countries. When people of different regions and counties meet and share their experiences about the places, festivals or cultures then they feel connected. These get-togethers make people closer and removes gap within and creates peace.
MR. ANKIT JASORIA
PROPRIETOR, TRAVEL24SEVEN, JAIPUR
This exposure can challenge stereotypes and foster a sense of appreciation for diversity. Moreover, tourism encourages interactions between people from different cultures, allowing them to build relationships and develop a greater understanding of each other’s perspectives.
To ensure that tourism continues to be a force for good, it is essential to promote sustainable practices. Sustainable tourism focuses on minimizing the negative impacts of travel while maximizing its benefits for local communities and the environment. By choosing eco-friendly accommodations, respecting local customs, and reducing their carbon footprint, travelers can contribute to a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry.
“Sustainable Tourism is a necessity for our time. To ensure a more sustainable future, it’s imperative to adopt practices that minimize our environmental impact. This includes reducing plastic usage, transitioning to cleaner, greener fuels, and implementing other eco-friendly measures. By adopting these practices, we can contribute to preserving our planet for generations to come. Let’s start by making sustainable choices in our own lives,” mentions Mr. Kelkar.
Mr Jasoria emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and educating both tourists and locals about the benefits of sustainable practices. He suggests that hotels should opt for glass bottles over plastic ones and that events should use clay cups to minimize plastic waste. Additionally, he recommends selecting hotels and restaurants that prioritize sustainability and adhere to the guidelines set by government agencies and sustainable organizations. To further reduce our carbon footprint, promoting green transportation is crucial.
According to Mr. Deepu Promoting sustainable tourism on World Tourism Day starts with mindful choices. Begin by selecting eco-friendly destinations that prioritize environmental conservation. Packing reusable items and essentials for the journey reduces waste and leaves a smaller footprint. While traveling people should opt for eco-conscious accommodations and public transport to support sustainability. These are small but impactful steps that can collectively make a significant difference in fostering sustainable and responsible tourism.
However, the tourism sector faces significant challenges due to climate change. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changes in natural ecosystems can disrupt travel plans, damage infrastructure, and reduce the appeal of tourist destinations.
“Climate change is a pressing global issue with profound implications for the tourism industry. The increasing frequency and intensity of natural calamities, pose significant risks to tourist destinations, infrastructure, and the overall attractiveness of certain regions. These disruptions can lead to cancellations, property damage, and a decline in tourism revenue,” clarifies Mr E Banlumlang Blah.
.Climate change is a persistent worry, especially for the tourism industry. It’s affecting the destinations we love and making it more difficult to plan trips due to unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters. The tourism industry itself contributes to climate change, particularly through air travel. However, this presents an opportunity for us to rethink our travel habits. Choosing more sustainable options, like eco-friendly accommodations and staying closer to home, can make a significant difference,” spells out Ms. Singh
The tourism industry is facing significant challenges nowadays due to climate changes and extreme weather conditions such as floods and heat waves which disrupt travel and damage infrastructure. Today, travelers are more conscious of their carbon footprints and are demanding for more sustainable tourism options. By prioritizing eco-friendly practices—such as energy-efficient accommodations, conservation efforts, and low-impact transportation—the tourism industry can help mitigate the risks associated with climate change, simplifies Mr. Deepu.
Addressing these challenges requires a combination of adaptation strategies, like investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and diversifying tourism offerings.
The tourism industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven primarily by the changing needs and expectations of younger generations. As these digital natives become increasingly influential travelers, it’s imperative for tourism businesses to adapt their offerings and strategies to cater to their preferences.
“Without youth, tourism policy is a just a toothless tiger. Without youth, tourism industry is an engine without fuel. Therefore, engagement of youth will give complete chapter to tourism policy. Their participation will be fundamental reason for the global disorders and conflicts, illuminates Mr Wangdi.
Briefly, tourism has the potential to be a powerful catalyst for peace and understanding. By promoting cultural exchange, sustainable practices, and adapting to the challenges of climate change, the tourism industry can contribute to a more harmonious and sustainable future for all.