blog

How Two Leading Tourism Companies Are Pioneering Peace Through Travel

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

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
-

>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 do you spread peace through your travels? Share your tips in the comments

Thoughtful Travel, Reconciliation Action Plan

Comment (0)

Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips