Born in California, Mona Naffa, an American-Jordan living in Amman, is a tireless travel advocate for the Middle East. She explains:
As we enter 2025, the world finds itself at a pivotal moment.
Travel offers authenticity in a world dominated by digital screens and divided narratives. It reawakens the senses and enriches the soul, challenging us to see beyond the headlines. As we enter a new year, let us use tourism’s transformative and creative potential to promote peace and understanding.
Tourism as a Tool for Peacebuilding
Travel has a unique power to end barriers, both physical and emotional. By visiting another culture, travelers can experience firsthand the richness of traditions, the resilience of communities, and the common threads that bind the citizens. Tourism nurtures empathy and dialogue, building bridges where there were once walls. It helps us see the human faces behind the headlines, promoting mutual respect and understanding.
Jordan: A Peacemaker in the Region
As a nation that embodies stability amidst regional turmoil, Jordan exemplifies the role of a peacemaker. Its diplomatic efforts and cultural openness have consistently acted as a bridge between neighbors. Jordanian tourism initiatives, deeply rooted in hospitality and respect, provide a model for how travel can promote unity. By welcoming visitors from all walks of life, Jordan demonstrates how shared experiences can foster trust and encourage collaboration and conversations.
The Universal Language of Storytelling
At its core, tourism is about storytelling. The stories of the places we visit, the people we meet, and the moments we share leave lasting impressions. Whether we learn about ancient civilizations, hear local legends, or share a meal with a family around a table, these interactions bring the world closer together. They remind us that while our backgrounds may differ, our aspirations for peace, prosperity, and happiness are universal.
A Global Vision for Tourism
Across the globe, from rural villages to bustling cities, tourism can be a force for good. Sustainable travel initiatives connect people with nature and teach the importance of conservation. Cultural exchanges help preserve traditions while fostering mutual respect. In post-conflict regions, tourism and travel can offer a pathway to recovery, building economies, and offering hope for a better future.
2025: A Year for Connection, Conversation, and Creativity
Tourism fuels creativity and reminds us of our shared connections in an increasingly polarized world. It turns cultural exchanges into powerful pathways for peace and unity, encouraging us to see beyond divisions, listen, and learn.
As we navigate the uncertainties of the coming year, let us embrace travel as a tool for peace, connecting hearts across borders and sharing stories of resilience.
