World Tourism Day 2024, hosted by UN Tourism on September 27 in Tbilisi, Georgia, shines a spotlight on the crucial theme of "Tourism and Peace." This global event brings together leading figures from the public and private sectors, policymakers, and experts from around the world to explore how tourism can serve as a catalyst for peace, cultural understanding, and sustainable development. Georgia has welcomed 472 participants, 51 countries, and 13 ministers (8 Georgian ministers) for the World Tourism Day celebration.
Tourism has long been recognized for its economic power, creating jobs, boosting economies, and contributing to sustainable development. However, its role as a force for peace is increasingly being acknowledged.
Tourism: A Catalyst for Cultural Exchange and Peacebuilding
As outlined by keynote speakers and thought leaders at the conference, tourism has the unique ability to bring people from diverse backgrounds together. As travel and tourism continue to grow globally, they provide a platform for promoting dialogue and mutual understanding between different cultures, laying the groundwork for peaceful coexistence. The High-Level Ministerial Dialogue at the event has explored how international tourism can be a strategic tool in building bridges between nations and promoting peace amidst growing geopolitical tensions.
“Tourism is more than an economic powerhouse,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili during the opening remarks. “It is a means to foster international understanding, cultural exchange, and ultimately, global peace. This year, we aim to show how tourism can contribute to resolving conflicts, supporting reconciliation, and preventing future tensions.”
Private Sector Insights: Peace and Profit Through Tourism
A key aspect of this year’s event focused on the role of the private sector in promoting peace through responsible and sustainable tourism practices. As businesses continue to expand globally, the private sector holds the potential to create peaceful and sustainable interactions through tourism. Speakers from prominent organizations, including Jerry Inzerillo from Diriyah Company and David Ruetz of Messe Berlin, highlighted the importance of innovative solutions in leveraging tourism’s economic benefits while fostering social cohesion and conflict prevention.
“We have seen time and again how tourism can transform post-conflict regions, provide employment, and foster entrepreneurial initiatives. The private sector must remain committed to using its resources for peacebuilding and creating opportunities in emerging and vulnerable regions,” said Natalia Bayona, Executive Director at UN Tourism, during her address.
Throughout history, tourism has played a key role in diplomacy, promoting cultural exchanges that have helped foster international understanding. Diplomatic missions and international organizations continue to use tourism to promote peace, with initiatives such as the creation of “peace routes” in conflict-affected regions. These projects seek to rebuild trust and encourage dialogue among communities divided by conflict.
About UN Tourism
The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UN Tourism promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.unwto.org.
