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)