Tourism as an instrument for peace
We learn real life experiences when we travel and meet new people. Textbooks and school and college education provide us with information and ideas but real life experiences and learning are always thrilling and joyful. People who travel to different places become confident and determined. This shows the importance of travel and tourism in our life . There is no doubt that tourism is one of the world’s most important economic sectors. It employs one in every ten people on Earth and provides livelihoods to hundreds of millions more. For some countries, it can represent over 20 percent of their GDP.
Tourism provides us an opportunity to experience some of the world’s cultural and natural riches and brings us closer to each other, highlighting our common humanity. It is an essential stake of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the obligation to our Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially goals 8, 12, and 14. It serves as a first entry point to the world of work, especially for women, youth, migrant workers, and rural populations in developing and least developed countries (LDCs). Women represent a majority of the tourism sector workforce, while half of that workforce is less than 25 years of age.
In spite of having challenges during Covid 19, the constant growth of the tourism sector during the last six decades reflects more progressive access to tourism thanks to the decline in the cost of transport and the world-wide growth of the middle classes. The sector has experienced almost uninterrupted growth despite challenges such as the global economic crisis and natural disasters.
The many important contributions of tourism encouraged the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to institute World Tourism Day ( WTD) in a meeting that took place in Spain, commencing the first celebration of the observance in the year 1980. This date was chosen to coincide with an important milestone in world tourism: the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 September 1970. UNWTO is known as UN Tourism as it has changed the name.
WTD 2024, under the theme "Tourism and Peace", wants to highlight the vital role of this sector in fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures and in supporting reconciliation processes. Countries with a more open and sustainable tourism sector tend to be more peaceful. It spreads philanthropy and leads to regional cooperation. For instance, some African countries are implementing an open visa policy for members of the African Union to encourage the free movement of people and boost tourism and trade. Travel and tourism in Africa are now forecasted to rise. 27th September is observed as WTD around the world.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN in his message said that “tourism can promote economic interdependence between neighbours, encouraging cooperation and peaceful development. At the same time, tourism broadens horizons. Every traveller can be an ambassador, engaging respectfully with local populations, recognizing our diversity and shared humanity, and the values that unite us all.”
Tourism, often highlighted for its role in economic development, also plays a significant role in fostering peace. On a global level, where nations are interconnected and interdependent, Tourism, an industry made by people and for people, emerges as a compelling and dynamic force to defy stereotypes and challenge prejudices. As we celebrate tourism, let us travel responsibly, build bridges, and promote shared respect among cultures and communities. Together, we can connect the power of tourism to progress peace and prosperity for everyone.
As society progresses, the tourism sector, much like many other sectors, needs to transform to serve as a catalyst for prosperity at a universal scale. There is much potential for the sector to bring positive social transformation in our region. Bodoland Territorial Region which has been known for conflicts in the last few decades is changing towards the path of peace and progress. Tourism is playing a vital role as people from different parts of the country are visiting the place . Recent activities like the literary festival, Durand Cup have helped the region to transform as travelers are coming and visiting the region.
There is no doubt that tourism brings people together and the tourism day is an opportunity to focus on the same. Sustainable tourism can transform communities by creating jobs, fostering inclusion and strengthening local economies. Let us focus more on sustainable tourism which will benefit many of us and also benefits the planet. We must become responsible tourists if we want a sustainable future for all of us. Let us all ensure that tourism becomes an instrument to bring peace and progress.
(With direct inputs from UN publication)
(Ranjan K Baruah is a career mentor and skill trainer and currently Adviser of Skill Employment and Entrepreneurship Department of Bodoland Territorial Council, Kokrajhar and can be reached at 8473943734 or bkranjan@gmail.com)
