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1 Jan, 2025

“Peace & Tourism” Perspectives sure to reset the industry mindset in 2025 and beyond

Bangkok — When the people lead, the leaders follow. That revolutionary shift has taken root as of the last week of 2024 when Juergen Thomas Steinmetz, Editor and Publisher of eTurboNews, sounded out a group of Travel & Tourism visionaries worldwide about their thoughts on Peace and Tourism, a highly topical but still somewhat sensitive topic in the context of ongoing global conflicts and the deeply polarised geopolitical, socio-cultural and ethno-nationalistic environment.

More than 20 leaders from ministers to the media, interfaith leaders to retired hoteliers and academics from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia, Africa to the Middle East responded to Mr Steinmetz’ call to share their perspectives on how Tourism can go back to the future and harness its original purpose as a force for peace, friendship, harmony and cultural bonding.

The thoughts reflected the diversity of the contributors — everything from seeking inner peace to breaking down travel barriers, from promoting inter-faith dialogue and community development to combating political hate-mongers. Many examples were cited of countries such as Rwanda, Ireland and the Mekong countries where tourism has played a major role in post-conflict reconstruction.

Those positive outcomes are offset against the damage being done by the devastating conflict in the Holy Land, arguably the world’s most promising Travel & Tourism region.

In his outreach to the contributors, Mr Steinmetz said he intended to take the discussion forward in 2025. The responses clearly touched a nerve. By redefining the concept of “sustainability”, they should shunt ChatGPT and Climate Change off the industry agenda. Sweeping the topic of Peace & Tourism under the carpet is no longer an option.

Now, all the “futurists, visionaries and thought-leaders” who have played it safe by steering clear of potentially sensitive and controversial topics will jump on the bandwagon. Industry CEOs, academics and researchers can no longer duck the issue.

It is exactly the kind of momentum that Mr Steinmetz had been hoping to generate. Setting the New Year off to a good start, his initiative is sure to dominate discussions as the world grapples with the reasons for the near-certain failure of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the lead-up to the 2030 target date.

Indeed, quality travel journalism has led the way. Reputed travel media is the real “voice” of Travel & Tourism. By amplifying it, this initiative will prove to be a game-changer in making Travel & Tourism, the self-proclaimed industry of peace, a real part of the solution for the sake for future generations.

I am proud to be one of the contributors.

All the perspectives can be found at the eTurboNews website here: https://eturbonews.com/