FORUM: "Tourism and Peace”. World Tourism Day 2024. The pursuit of peace is a continuing endeavour, and progress through tourism is more relevant than ever. Tourism can play a vital role as a catalyst for fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures and in supporting reconciliation processes. Moreover, tourism is clearly linked to the building blocks of peace- such as social justice, human rights, economic equity, sustainable development, and broad-based democracy with the capability of non-violent conflict resolution. Tourism’s biggest strength, besides being an economic powerhouse, brings people together in non-adversarial circumstances. Tourism has the potential to contribute to peace in many ways and these need to be appropriately explored and assessed. Tourism as an instrument for peace needs to be peace-sensitive and needs to be understood from both– the suppliers and consumer´s side- not as an isolated peace strategy, but as part of social transformation towards a culture of peace. A peace-sensitive tourism is aware of the economic and social forces and thus social responsibility. It aims to contribute within the limits of the opportunities but aware of the power of alliances to the democratisation of society, of international relations and of the world system as such. Moreover, tourism provides a fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurship. By encouraging creative solutions and new business models, tourism can drive economic growth and provide unique opportunities for young talent. Supporting entrepreneurial initiatives in tourism can lead to sustainable development and create platforms for innovative peacebuilding strategies. The future of tourism lies in the hands of young people. By investing in youth, providing education and training opportunities, and encouraging their active participation in the tourism sector, we can harness their potential to drive social change and promote peace. Young talent brings fresh perspectives, creativity, and energy that are essential for the continuous evolution of tourism as a force for good. The UNWTO has identified investments as one of the key priorities for tourism’s recovery and future growth and development. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #27September, #WorldTourismDay, #PeaceThroughTourism, #wtd, #wtd2024.
EVENTS: on September 27th to mark the World Tourism Day 2024. Participants will explore the intersection of tourism and peacebuilding, highlighting how travel, cultural exchange and sustainable tourism practices can contribute to conflict resolution, reconciliation, and the promotion of peace worldwide. By bringing together stakeholders from across sectors and disciplines, the conference aims to generate innovative ideas, strategies, and collaborations to harness the transformative power of tourism in building bridges, fostering dialogue and promoting peace and reconciliation. Get the Information note and the agenda programme!
STATEMENTS:
On this World Tourism Day, we reflect on the profound connection between tourism and peace.
Sustainable tourism can transform communities – creating jobs, fostering inclusion and strengthening local economies.
By valuing and preserving cultural and natural heritage, it can help reduce tensions and nurture peaceful coexistence.
Tourism can also promote economic interdependence between neighbours, encouraging cooperation and peaceful development.
At the same time, tourism broadens horizons. Every traveller can be an ambassador, engaging respectfully with local populations, recognizing our diversity and shared humanity, and the values that unite us all.
As we celebrate tourism, let us travel responsibly, build bridges, and promote mutual respect among cultures and nations.
Together, we can harness the power of tourism to advance peace and prosperity for all.
Thursday, 26 September
14:00 – 16:00 - Old Tbilisi sightseeing tours (Departure from Paragraph Freedom Square, a Luxury Collection Hotel)
20:00 – 22:00 - Welcome Reception hosted by the First Vice Prime Minister of Georgia (Venue: Ceremonial Palace of Georgia)
Friday, 27 September
Venue: Paragraph Freedom Square, a Luxury Collection Hotel
10:00 - Welcome coffee
11:00 – 11:35 - Opening Ceremony & Welcome Remarks
- Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister, Georgia
- Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia
- Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Uzbekistan
- Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UN Tourism
11:35 – 11:50 - Keynote Speech: "Journey to Harmony - Tourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Peace and a Better Future"
- Harris Whitbeck, Minister of Tourism, Guatemala
11:50 – 13:15 - High-Level Ministerial Dialogue – Building Bridges Through Tourism
Tourism is way more than an economic driver; it is a powerful tool for fostering international understanding, cultural exchange, and global peace. In a world increasingly divided by geopolitical tensions, economic disparities, and cultural misunderstandings, tourism offers a unique avenue for bridging gaps and building lasting connections. The session aims to bring together government leaders, and policymakers to discuss and strategize on how tourism can be leveraged to promote peace and unity.Moderator: Aradhana Khowala, CEO & Founder, Aptamind Partners
Speakers:
- Mariam Kvrivishvili, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, Georgia
- Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister, Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Uzbekistan
- Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister, Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Sierra Leone
- Fatema Jaafar, Alsairfafi, Minister, Ministry of Tourism, Bahrain
13:15 – 13:30 - Keynote Address: Fostering Peace and Progress Through Tourism
- Didier Mazenga Mukanzu, Special Envoy for the Chad, Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and Minister of Regional Integration, Democratic Republic of the Congo
13:30– 15:00 - Lunch
15:00 – 15:05 - Official hand-over ceremony of the "Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Georgia" guideline
- Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UN Tourism
- Levan Davitashvili, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia
15:05 – 15:15 - Presentation of the "Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Georgia" guideline
- Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, UN Tourism
15:15 – 15:25 - Presentation: “Georgia Investment Opportunities”
- Mikheil Khidureli, CEO, Enterprise Georgia
15:25 – 16:00 - Private Sector Insights: Tourism as a Driver of Global Peace.
As international travel continues to grow, the private sector's role in promoting peaceful interactions, sustainable development, and economic stability becomes increasingly significant. This dialogue aims to explore the private sector's potential and responsibility and to leverage its strengths and capabilities to promote peace and stability through tourism.
Moderator: Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, UN Tourism
Speakers:
- Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Company, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Ali Janah, Group Chairman, Hotels & Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM)
-Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
16:00– 16:15 - Inspirational speech: Decoding the Future of Tourism Resilience.
- Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Jamaica
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16:15 – 16:45 - Harnessing innovation, cultivating talent for peace.
In today's interconnected world, the potential of tourism to contribute to global peace is immense. However, realizing this potential requires more than traditional approaches; it necessitates innovation, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit. Entrepreneurship in tourism is a key driver of innovation and economic development. By encouraging entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in emerging destinations and post-conflict areas, we can stimulate local economies and create opportunities for communities to thrive.
Moderator: Antonio Lopez de Avila, Director, Innovation, Education, and Investments, UN Tourism
Speakers:
- Ann Kalembe, Women in Hospitality, Uganda
- Ana Sofia Godoy Alonso, CEO, Étnica, Guatemala
- Li Yang, General Manager of International Affairs, Alibaba Group
16:45 – 17:15 - Tourism for Peace Education Dialogue.
Moderator: Cordula Wohlmuther, Regional Director, a.i. for Europe, UN Tourism
Speakers:
- Carolina Herrera, Peace Educator, Colombia
- André Mack, Managing Director a.i., EHL Hospitality Business School, Switzerland
17:15 – 17:30 - World Tourism Day 2025 Handover Malaysia
- Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia
17:30 - Closing Remarks
20:00 - Gala dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Georgia (by invitation only)
Saturday, 28 September
12:30 - 18:00 - Technical Visit and Social programme (Venue: Chateau Mukhrani)
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