Can Tourism Still Be a Tool For Peace? Absolutely!

Louis D’Amore’s visionary concept for IIPT was born out of a deep understanding of the intricate relationships between global peace, tourism, and sustainable development. Today, as we navigate the complexities of our world, his legacy continues to inspire our collective pursuit of peace and understanding.
Bea said, “I’m confident that our shared dedication to peace will yield a brighter future for all.”

Ajay Prakash, the Global President of IIPT, said from his office in Mumbai, India.

As we reach the halfway point of the year, we find ourselves in a world shadowed by conflict; wars, terror attacks, and a resurgence of nationalism have strained the global peace index and restricted the free movement of people. Violence is rising.

And yet, paradoxically, tourism is thriving. Flights are full. Hotels are booming. Cities are pushing back against over-tourism.

International Institute For Peace Through Tourism IIPT

Peace through Tourism

In this contradictory landscape, some have questioned the relevance of IIPT’s founding belief: Can tourism still be a tool for peace? Is it idealistic, even naïve, to think so?

We say, absolutely not. The mission of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism is more relevant and more urgent today than ever.

Tourism is unlike any other industry. It is, at its core, about people. It has the unique power to connect individuals across boundaries of race, religion, and nationality. But this power is not automatic.

Every tourist is a potential Ambassador of Peace – but becoming one requires intention. It is up to each of us to travel, speak, and act with purpose and empathy. This is the essence of the Credo of the Peaceful Traveller© that our founder, Louis D’Amore, articulated four decades ago.

At IIPT, our mission remains clear: to spread awareness of tourism as a force for good and a tool for peace. Through our words and actions, we seek to reach the innate goodness in the human spirit and inspire behaviour that reduces conflict, fosters understanding, and builds bridges.

As Nelson Mandela reminded us, “No one is born hating another person… People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.”

This is our mission. This is our moment. And we cannot do it alone.

I call on each of you, our global family, to rededicate yourselves to this cause. Let us raise our voices, share our stories, and live the values we champion. Speak up for responsible, respectful travel. Challenge prejudice when you see it. Promote the principles of the Credo in your communities and professional spaces.

Together, let’s renew our commitment to making tourism a true force for peace. Together, let’s make peace through tourism not just a vision, but a global reality.

The two new IIPT Peace Parks, located in Turkey and Switzerland, serve as symbols of this vision. We thank our Executive Director, Andreas, and our Australian Chapter President, Gail, for bringing these initiatives to life — and for demonstrating that one person can have a global impact.