Does Tourism Really Lead to Peace? A Global View

Abstract

There has been much rhetoric about tourism's role in promoting world peace. This research takes a global perspective examining the relationship between peace and tourism across 111 different countries using a panel data model using two indicators, international tourist arrivals and the Institute for Economics and Peace's Global Peace Index. The results indicate that tourism is the beneficiary of peace rather than grounds for peace. Peace is most important to tourism in medium income destinations but still important for high income nations. No relationship exists between peace and tourism arrivals for low income nations.

Visiting the “enemy”: visitation in politically unstable destinations

“…Undoubtedly, political instability and conflict between hostile nations is deeply entrenched in the social fabric of their societies that have undergone prolonged political turmoil, shaping people's perceptions and attitudes towards the hostile outgroup and, by extent, their travel intentions. Unsurprisingly, Pratt and Liu's (2016) empirical examination of the tourism and peace relationship in 111 countries confirms Litvin's (1998) argument that tourism is a beneficiary of peace rather than a cause for peace.…”

The politics of tourism statistics

“…As such, those with a vested interest in the industry want to portray tourism as a panacea to many of the world's problems. Consider International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (), which suggests that tourism is a “peace” industry, and each traveler is a potential “ambassador for peace.” Such statements are overly optimistic with little evidence to support them (Pratt & Liu, ). In turn, whether deliberate or accidental, it can be argued that tourism statistics often overstate and exaggerate the size and impact of tourism.…”

“…Consider International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (2017), which suggests that tourism is a "peace" industry, and each traveler is a potential "ambassador for peace." Such statements are overly optimistic with little evidence to support them (Pratt & Liu, 2016 This boosterism is demonstrated in the second issue where UNWTO use the term "tourists" interchangeably with the term "trips. "…”

Meditation Tourism, Buddhist Philosophy in Practice: A Case Study of Lumbini, Nepal

“…Its advocates assume that indivisible peace can be achieved if a wide understanding in international level could be developed. '' As people move throughout the world and learn to know each other's customs and to appreciate the qualities of individuals of each nation, we are building a level of international understanding which can improve the atmosphere of the world peace'' (Pratt & Liu, 2015).…”

“…In facilitating more authentic social relationship between individuals, tourism can help overcome many real prejudices and foster new bonds of fraternity. In this sense, tourism has become a real force for world peace'' (Pratt & Liu, 2015). (Lollis, 2014;in Karki, 2018, p. 98) defi nes ''peace tourism as travelling to experience places that authentically represent peace stories and peacemakers of the past and present.…”