The concept of tourism as we see it today emerged only in the 20th century .However, we can trace its origins back to the earliest civilizations. While the modern notion of tourism primarily involves leisure travel, religious, commercial, educational, and exploratory objectives often drove early travel. The Grand Tour, a cultural and educational journey undertaken by young European aristocrats during the 17th and 18th centuries, played a significant role in fostering intellectual growth and the exchange of ideas across Europe. Travelers primarily aimed to enhance their cultural knowledge, but the experiences they gained during these trips led to world-class discoveries in various fields, from art and architecture to science and archaeology. But it was the technological advances in transportation and the growth of the middle class during the 19th and 20th centuries that caused the boom in the tourism sector.
Toursism has long been celebrated as a vital component of economic development, generating employment, improving infrastructure, and fostering cultural exchange. It is also involved in fostering peace and friendship. In today’s world filled with conflicts, tourism has the power to heal the wounds and act as a bridge connecting the people and fostering peaceful relationships.
Moving from one region to another exposes people to new cultures and indirectly participates in their blending. When a person from Kanyakumari visits a Himalayan region, they encounter a completely new culture, environment, and climate. When they interact with the local communiWhen they engage with the local community, they come to understand that Kanyakumari is a place where they can see an ocean, sometThe movement of tourists not only contributes financially, but also facilitates the integration of diverse cultures into a region. Traveling exposes people to diverse lifestyles, beliefs, customs, and traditions. This exposure often leads to a greater understanding and appreciation of the host community's values and practices. Over time, these experiences can erode prejudices, counter stereotypes, and reduce the tendency to see “the other” as a threat or enemy. Society can also dispel many myths and misinformations about communities, fostering a sense of brotherhood or oneness. Tourism serves as a direct antidote to these misunderstandings. When tourists travel to foreign lands, they come face-to-face with people whose lifestyles, beliefs, and traditions may initially seem alien to them. However, as they engage with the locals, share experiences, and form bonds, they often realise that despite superficial differences, people around the world share common desires, emotions, and aspirations.
India is home to various religious sites that attract toursits from different faiths. For instance, people from various faiths visits Haridwar, Rishikesh, Sabarimala, Golden Temple , Ajmer Sharif Dargah , Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Velankanni church etc. Such interfaith pilgrimages promote respect and understanding among diverse religious groups.
Tourism to ecologically significant regions also brings people with common goal together. This helps in conservation of natural resources.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has recognised the potential of tourism to contribute to peace. In its preamble to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, the UNWTO states that "tourism is a vital force for peace and a factor of friendship and understanding among the peoples of the world." This formal acknowledgement underscores the connection between tourism and peacebuilding efforts. Programs like the Wagah-Attari border ceremony draw large crowds from both India and Pakistan, promoting a sense of brotherhood and companionship. The shared experience of attending the ceremony fosters goodwill and mutual respect among attendees.
While tourism has the potential to promote peace and brotherhood, it is not without challenges. The risk of cultural commodification, which exploits local traditions and practices for profit instead of respecting and preserving them, is a key concern. Many tourist destinations customize traditional art forms for their visitors, a practice that ultimately destroys the essence of the art form. Additionally, there is the risk of “overtourism,” where an influx of visitors overwhelms local infrastructure and disrupts the daily lives of residents. To ensure that tourism contributes to peace and brotherhood, it is essential to adopt sustainable practices that prioritise the well-being of both tourists and host communities.
Dr Biju Dharmapalan
(The author is a dean at Garden City University and an adjunct faculty member at NIAS, Bangalore. E-mail: bijudharmapalan@gmail.com)