Let travel be the path to peace...

According to Dr. Trinh Le Anh, it is necessary to re-evaluate the role of tourism not only as a smokeless industry, but also as a path to peace.

Dr. Trinh Le Anh believes that tourism should become a messenger of peace. (Photo: NVCC)

As a university lecturer in tourism, I always believe that tourism is not only an economic sector, but also a spiritual journey, where every step is a mission to connect people together.

On the occasion of World Tourism Day (27/9/2024) with the theme "Tourism and Peace", I feel privileged to share my profound reflections on the sacred role of tourism in building a more peaceful world.

In class, I often remind students that every trip is not just about seeing beautiful scenery or enjoying food, but also an opportunity to understand another culture.

It is important to realize that beneath every skin color, beneath every language, we share the same aspirations for peace, prosperity and happiness. When we leave our “borders” and open ourselves to differences, we build bridges connecting the hearts of peoples. When I stand before students, I recall memorable encounters with local people during my travels.

Once, while sitting down to tea with a family in rural Japan, I realized that despite our differences in language, we could still share a respect and affection for the tea heritage that is so dear to the people of both countries. That is the power of travel to help us realize that, wherever we go, people have the same similarities, dreams and hopes. But for travel to truly be a peacemaker, we need to approach it with responsibility and love for the world around us. Our tourism students are taught that travel is not just a right, but also a responsibility.

Responsibility to protect the environment, respect the culture and contribute to the sustainable development of the communities we visit. When we enter a new land with respect and gratitude, we are not only exploring but also contributing to global peace. There are many examples of how tourism can truly make a difference. One notable example is Rwanda, a country that suffered from genocide, which has adopted ecotourism as a driving force for development.

"The power of travel helps us realize that, everywhere, people have similarities, dreams and hopes."

Protecting the gorillas and the natural environment has not only helped the economy but also symbolized the country's healing. Tourists come to Rwanda not only to experience the wilderness but also to witness the rebirth of a country that has overcome deep wounds.

Dr. Trinh Le Anh with children in Africa during a business trip. (Photo: NVCC)

Another example is Colombia, where tourism has played a significant role in the reconciliation process after decades of conflict. Ecotours to the rainforests and Caribbean coast not only provide opportunities for people to reintegrate, but also allow them to become directly involved in environmental conservation. Tourism in Colombia has become a means for former warring people to work together and build a more peaceful future.

“For tourism to truly become a messenger of peace, we need to approach it with responsibility and love for the world around us. Our tourism students are always taught that tourism is not only a right, but also a responsibility.”

At a time when the world is still facing many tensions and divisions, I believe that tourism can serve as a powerful tool to build positive connections. Every traveler can become an ambassador of peace, a bridge to connect peoples. I always remind myself and my students that through each trip, we can change the world not only by contributing to the local economy, but also by building better human values.

So, on this World Tourism Day, let us re-evaluate the role of tourism not only as a smokeless industry, but also as a path to peace. Let us become responsible tourists, exploring the world with an open heart and a soul oriented towards the most noble human values.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/de-du-lich-la-con-duong-dan-den-hoa-binh-287705.html