Tourism professionals ‘to play increasingly important role as peacemakers’

Dr Taleb Rifai, former general secretary of the UN World Tourism Organization, described travel as “one of the best components of peace”.

He said tourism was particularly effective at achieving change at times of peace owing to travellers’ exposure to different cultures and perspectives, broadening their world view and giving them the experiences to influence attitudes in their own countries.

Tourism and peace ‘synonymous’

The webinar was also addressed by John McAuliff, executive director of the Fund for Reconciliation and Development – a US-based non-profit organisation that aims to build connections between Americans and the country’s past adversaries.

"The importance of tourism is that it destroys the narrative of hostility and denial of the humanity of the other side,” said McAuliff, whose work with the fund started post-Vietnam war and has now extended to the US’s relationship with Cuba.

Another focus for the webinar was the role of tourism in the immediate aftermath of conflict; delegates heard how the industry has huge power to foster regional stability by serving as a symbol of peace.

"Tourism and peace are in some ways synonymous,” said Sergii Mirnyi, founder of Ukrainian tour operator Chernobyl Tour.

“When tourism flourishes, it means the place is safe to visit – and that is a very important message, both for locals and for the international community.”