ICPTR

The relationships between tourism and peace can be studied from several perspectives. The contributions of tourism to peace can also be studied from several perspectives. We are very pleased to inform you that the book “Tourism, Progress and Peace” to be published by CABI International end 2009-beg 210, is shaping up successfully. It’s purpose is to advance our knowledge about the topic. The call for proposals has resulted in over 50 abstracts. Of these 16 chapters have been selected. The book is of relevance to: researchers and academics in that it offers ideas for future research related to tourism and peace; practitioners in that it’s empirical nature brings pragmatic relevance and support for projects, programs and other initiatives related to promoting a culture of peace through tourism by NGOs or government organisations; leisure, hospitality and tourism students and teachers in that it can be used in the classroom. For more information about the book, contact us by e-mail at: omar.moufakkir@stenden.com , skype at: omar.moufakkir, or by phone: (00)(31)58 2441301.

 There is no such thing as peace through tourism per se. Undoubtedly, tourism can be a vehicle for peace, but education for peace starts at home. Our peacelessness is the result of inequality in the world. This inequality is a result of ignorance, greed and failed policies. Thinking about peacelessness is what takes us further away from the animal kingdon. Accepting this peacelessness is what brings us closer to animals. Surely, there is the animal in the human, but which of these is closer to humanity remains to be  explained.

Sometimes, it is difficult to talk about the relationship between tourism and peace. This is mainly due to the limited definition of peace as the absence of arms. If the definition of peace includes conflict, it become easier to realise the connection between tourism and peace. To understand this connection, it is insightful to go back to 1948 and the Declaration of Human Rights. Then, it is possible to see where humanity has made progress and where it has failed. Tourism does not make miracles, tourism can be used as a tool to enhance and promote human rights -political, social, environmantal and cultural- in so many ways.

Click to view our presenation “Tourism and Peace: Myths, Realities and Progress” at the World Heritage Conference in Austria, June 3-5, 2009. austria_conference