How Two Leading Tourism Companies Are Pioneering Peace Through Travel

Pilgrims with traveller at Shah-i-Zinda, avenue of mausoleums, Samarkand | Richard I'Anson

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Peace. We could sure use more of it, but how can travellers foster the concept just be, well, travelling?

The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) asked us, along with the travel juggernaut Flight Centre, to share our innovative approaches to integrating peace and sustainability into the tourism industry.<

Donna Lawrence, our Global Sustainability & Impact Manager, along with Michelle Degenhardt, Global Sustainability Officer at Flight Centre, shared with them some enlightening perspectives on how the tourism sector can champion global harmony and cultural respect.

Donna focused promoting cultural preservation and combating monoculturalism through reconciliation and acknowledgement of traditional owners. She argues that tourism thrives on diversity and that preserving traditional cultures is essential for a vibrant global society.

The World Expeditions Reconciliation Action Plan with Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples exemplifies this commitment, aiming to build respectful, lasting relationships and integrate cultural insights into their travel offerings.

Local family on the World Expeditions community project trip in Arnhem Land, NT | Gesine Cheung

Drawing inspiration from Mark Twain’s belief that "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness," Lawrence underscored the role of travel in challenging and expanding worldviews. We have been a charter member of the Travel for Peace campaign since its inauguration in 2016, advocating for travellers to embody the principles of peace and respect articulated by the IIPT.

A key component of our strategy is creating transformative travel experiences that foster empathy and connection.

"We believe that transformative travel helps broaden perspectives and build peace," Lawrence noted.

Our are designed to immerse travellers in less-travelled destinations, encouraging deeper cultural engagement and appreciation.

Engaging with villagers that rarely encounter trekkers | Lachlan Gardiner

Flight Centre's Degenhardt emphasised a different but complementary aspect of peace-building through tourism, that fostering a culture of peace extends beyond merely avoiding conflict. For her, it encompasses promoting tolerance, understanding, and respect for human rights.

"Our mission is to open up the world for exploration, but this must be coupled with a commitment to responsible travel," she said. Flight Centre advocates for travellers to engage with local cultures, support local economies, and practice environmental stewardship.

Local woman working in a silk factory in Samarkand | Alesha Bradford

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>Both leaders agree that the tourism industry has a significant role to play in fostering peace by promoting cultural understanding and sustainable practices. Degenhardt and Lawrence’s insights reveal that travel, when conducted mindfully, can be a powerful tool for peace and cultural enrichment.

As we reflect on the theme of World Peace Day and World Tourism Day for 2024, the IIPT message, and the vision of a global peace industry is within reach. By embracing responsible travel practices and supporting initiatives that respect and preserve cultural diversity, the tourism sector can indeed become a catalyst for a more peaceful world.

How Two Leading Tourism Companies Are Pioneering Peace Through Travel

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