Promoting peace through tourism

World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27th, is an opportunity to recognise tourism's significant contributions to global economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development. The day serves as a reminder of how travel brings people together across borders, promoting mutual understanding and peace. As countries work to recover from the epidemic, tourism is increasingly being acknowledged for its role in creating social, economic, and environmental development.

Tourism remains a significant force in India, which is noted for its rich heritage, diversified landscapes, and vibrant culture. From cultural events to culinary trips, India is attracting millions of international visitors and establishing itself as a major participant in the global tourism industry. Industry experts and hospitality professionals have given their perspectives on how tourism shapes economies, builds cultural bridges, and promotes sustainability.

Here are some perspectives from leaders in the industry on the significance of tourism, its future trajectory, and its potential for fostering peace and sustainability.

KB Kachru, President, Hotel Association of India & Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group stated, "Tourism plays a pivotal role in shaping economies. It has been recognised as a key pillar of India’s economy and contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP and employment A more important and subtler aspect of Tourism however is its social impact. Tourism promotes an exchange of cultures, of traditions and of social practices thereby building a bridge of understanding among people from diverse backgrounds. As tourism is evolving to be more experiential and immersive than ever before, it actively promotes a region’s heritage, arts & crafts, cuisines, festivals and celebrations. Understanding, sharing and exchanges promote peace. The theme for 2024, 'Tourism and Peace.' therefore could not ring truer.  

“Travel” said Gandhiji, “is the language of peace” India’s first Tourism Policy of 1982 had enshrined the objective of promoting tourism as a unifying force for international understanding. It is gratifying that UNWTO has chosen Tourism and Peace as the theme for this year’s Tourism Day. It is very timely and resonates with the post-Covid mantra for tourism—for Planet, People and Prosperity. Peace is the fourth P that propels that objective of the world community.  

World Tourism Day has been celebrated on 27th September each year since 1980. As the apex body representing hotels across the country Hotel Association of India (HAI) celebrates the day with enthusiasm and joy. The objective of the Association is to promote a sustainable growth and development of the Tourism & Hospitality sector. HAI Members imbibe India’s ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhavah” or “Guest is God” and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “The World is a family” in their operations showcasing Indian hospitality and culture to the world. HAI Members are some of the finest hotels of the World and shining examples in sustainability, inclusion and community engagement.As an Industry body HAI has endorsed hotel sustainability initiative of World Travel & Tourism Council. The Association will continue to collaborate and partner with other organisations to address the challenges of sustainability and preserve and enhance the health of Planet Earth and its people.  

On this World Tourism Day, HAI reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and to leverage tourism's ability to connect individuals promoting a more equitable, more inclusive, more tolerant and peaceful world. ”  

Sanjay Sethi, CEO and Managing Director, Chalet Hotels Limited,shares his thoughts, "We are proud to be part of an industry that not only showcases the cultural richness of India but also contributes to the social and economic upliftment of communities. The Government of India’s proactive initiatives, such as the e-Visa facility, the Swadesh Darshan scheme, and the PRASHAD program, are driving remarkable growth in the tourism sector. With India projected to become the fifth-largest travel and tourism market by 2027, these initiatives are enabling a more seamless and enriching travel experience while promoting sustainable and inclusive development.

As we look towards the future, we remain committed to supporting these efforts and ensuring that tourism continues to be a force for positive change, both for our nation and the world."

Rubina Sharma, Executive Assistant Manager (EAM) for Room and Business Development, Eros Hotel New Delhi commented, “At Eros Hotel New Delhi Nehru Place, we view tourism as more than just visiting places; it’s about embracing the experiences that connect us to culture, heritage, and the environment. We are proud to celebrate this spirit of connection and hospitality this World Tourism Day. Our vibrant rangoli in the lobby symbolises the beauty of Indian culture. At the same time, the soothing melodies from our live piano artist will enhance the guest experience, creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. We’ve placed thoughtful amenities and greeting cards in the rooms to wish you a Happy World Tourism Day.  

As part of our commitment to sustainability and cultural awareness, we gift Tulsi seeds to all our guests. Tulsi, a symbol of health and spiritual well-being in Indian tradition, carries immense benefits, and by sharing this gift, we aim to honour our heritage while promoting a greener tomorrow. We invite you to celebrate with us as we create meaningful moments that reflect the essence of travel and discovery.”  

Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee commented, “Tourism is a truly remarkable field, having always been more than just a type of leisure or merely a source of revenue for individual regions or cities. Tourism is primarily a way to get immersed in new cultures and experience history. Tourism actually expands your horizons, as you get to see new natural landscapes and meet new people, which in turn allows for a deeper understanding of the world and mankind. When you learn of the achievements and values of other cultures, you cannot help but become a more accepting, understanding and tolerant person.  

The Moscow City Tourism Committee does everything in its power to bring these ideas to life through the development and implementation of its programs. The effectiveness of these efforts can be measured by statistical data and the feedback from people who have visited Moscow.  

We have recently conducted a large-scale survey among foreign tourists. We found out that the landmarks that left international travellers with the most vivid impressions were the Red Square and Kremlin, VDNKh, Arbat, Gorky Park and the Bolshoi Theater. Notably, the Red Square was particularly memorable for tourists from non-CIS countries (67 per cent), while residents of neighbouring countries (13 per cent) were most impressed by VDNKh. But Moscow attracts foreign guests not only with its popular landmarks but also with recreational activities unusual for a metropolis.  

The plan for Moscow tourism development until 2030 emphasises the importance of cultural tourism and ways to expand it. Currently half of the guests of the capital visit a museum, an exhibition or an art space. Theatres and sports events are popular among tourists as well.”

Moscow is also rightfully considered to be a gastronomic capital: every seventh tourist goes to a restaurant from the world’s and national best rated lists. The city sets trends in this field by launching large cultural and gastronomic projects, and it boasts quite a variety of options, from budget street food to haute cuisine restaurants.  

We are proud that the tourist influx to the capital in 2023 amounted to 24.5 million tourists, nearly reaching pre-pandemic figures. The Moscow City Tourism Committee continues to work persistently by developing new tourism destinations, helping representatives of the tourism industry to establish relations with foreign colleagues and organising large-scale festivals in the city – all of which, we believe, will greatly boost tourist traffic to Moscow.”  

Shoba Rudra, Founder, RARE India noted, “Overtourism is a long-term issue, and extra challenging as it comes disguised as a success story. For this, the vision for tourism destination of the state and stake holders should align to promote value-based tourism that ensures that tourism quality and numbers doesn’t not impact the destination negatively. Among RARE partners hotels a few things help work around the over tourism issue - finding new locations to set up hotels, going off the beaten track and working towards building destination hotels, also looking at old destination to pioneer eco-tourism concepts are some of them.”

Ashish Vohra, Founder and CEO, Onora Hospitality, commented, “Tourism in India is in a very interesting phase at present and in my opinion, there are two areas that the hospitality industry should be focussing on as they have huge growth potential. One of them is village tourism, which is already a major trend in countries like Italy, France, etc. Considering the thrust being given by the Government of India towards agri-tourism, there is a huge opportunity for farm owners to look at farm stay as a revenue source.

The other area that needs our keen attention is including people from the local community as members of the staff at our hotels. The Government is working towards imparting skills and literacy to the people at the grassroot levels. Given these literacy goals, we need to start looking at a more flexible local workforce because the locals are the best representatives of their region. Even if they are unable to speak perfect English, their warm smiles as well as their knowledge of and love for their region go a long way to win the hearts of the guests. The authentic experience and destination discovery is what travellers are looking for nowadays.”

Anupam Vig, General Manager of Finnair in India, said, “On World Tourism Day, we are reminded of the significant role tourism plays in creating jobs and promoting cultural exchange. Tourism offers communities the opportunity to share their unique stories, traditions, and landscapes, fostering understanding and connection between diverse cultures and societies.

However, we must also recognise that aviation emissions contribute to climate change. To continue enjoying the social and economic benefits that flying brings, we need to reduce the fossil carbon emissions from our operations. At Finnair, our vision for the future is clear: to accelerate aviation’s transition away from fossil fuels. This year, our contribution to solving the climate challenge of aviation took an important step forward as we submitted our new climate target for validation to Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

We believe that responsible tourism not only drives economic growth but also strengthens local communities and preserves the rich heritage we all share. By encouraging respectful travel and cultural exchange, we can contribute to a more connected and understanding world.”

Hugh Aitken, VP of Flights at Skyscanner commented,“Forward booking profiles are returning to more traditional patterns, giving a clearer picture for airline planners. Over the past year, the aviation sector has made great progress in restoring domestic and international air connectivity. In many regions and markets, seat capacity is nearing and, in some cases, exceeding 2019 levels. At the same time, airlines are reporting strong demand and we’re seeing this across Skyscanner platforms too. This combination is resulting in higher average fares, but travellers are not deterred. In fact, they’re more willing to put their discretionary spend towards leisure travel and, on certain routes, invest in premium cabins. Forward booking profiles are returning to more traditional patterns, giving a clearer picture for airline planners. And, as capacity returns further, innovative advances in technologies from virtual interlining to dynamic offers will provide travellers with greater choice and access to an array of deals.”

Richi, Founder & Owner, Kebab House By Habbit stated, “Culinary tourism in India has evolved into a dynamic experience, where food becomes a gateway to exploring diverse cultures and traditions. From street-side eateries to fine-dining establishments, brands are creating authentic culinary experiences that resonate with travellers. Whether it’s savouring traditional North Indian kebabs or indulging in fusion dishes that blend regional flavours with global techniques, these offerings not only satisfy the palate but also connect travellers to the local heritage. This synergy between cuisine and culture is driving footfall and establishing India as a key destination for food enthusiasts, enhancing both the travel experience and business opportunities.”

Akshet Tewari, Founder and CEO of Barsys commented, “Beverages are a crucial element of culinary tourism, offering travellers the opportunity to engage with a region's flavours in a more immersive way. A well-crafted drink doesn't just complement the food on the plate; it deepens the flavourful experience of a meal. Across India, with its rich diversity of flavours and regional cuisines, the pairing of local dishes with beverages—be it a martini, a regional wine, or a thoughtfully curated cocktail—creates a harmonious and memorable dining experience. For travellers, this balance between food and drink is essential. The right beverage can enhance the spices, textures, and aromas of a meal, offering a window into the local culinary traditions. Beverages also provide an opportunity for creativity, whether through cocktails that blend local ingredients or traditional drinks that reflect the history and culture of a place. As culinary tourism continues to expand in India, the role of beverages in shaping the overall experience cannot be understated. Whether it’s a street food tour or a fine dining experience, beverages play a pivotal role in how travellers taste, remember, and later recount their experiences of a region. Through carefully crafted drinks, tourists not only savour the flavours of India but also carry those memories with them, contributing to the growing appeal of culinary tourism. These beverages allow travellers to connect more deeply with the local culture, enriching their overall journey and leaving them with lasting memories tied to both food and drink.”

Amit Jaipuria, Founder and CEO of Postcard Travel noted, “On this International Tourism Day, we celebrate and honour the impact makers that are shaping the world of conscious luxury travel. Conscious luxury travel not only enriches our lives but also empowers local communities and preserves our planet. By partnering with change-makers that curate experiences that honour culture and sustainability, we can create meaningful connections and lasting impacts. Together, we can redefine luxury as a journey that values both personal enrichment and global responsibility.”