Let travel be the path to peace...

According to Dr. Trinh Le Anh, the role of tourism needs to be re-evaluated not only as a non-polluting industry, but also as a path to peace .

Dr. Trinh Le Anh believes that tourism should be transformed into an ambassador for peace. (Photo: Provided by the interviewee)

As a university lecturer in tourism, I have always believed that tourism is not just an economic sector, but also a spiritual journey, where every step is a mission to connect people with one another.

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

In class, I often remind my students that each trip is not just about seeing beautiful scenery or enjoying the food, but also an opportunity to learn about a different culture.

It is important to recognize that under every skin color, every language, we all share common aspirations for peace, prosperity, and happiness. When we step outside our "borders," opening our hearts to differences, we are building bridges that connect the hearts of peoples. Standing before students, I recall memorable encounters with local people during my travels.

Once, while enjoying tea with a family in rural Japan, I realized that despite language differences, we could still share respect and affection through the tea culture, which is deeply rooted in the traditions of both countries. This is the power of tourism in helping us recognize that, everywhere, people share similarities, dreams, and hopes. But 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 just a right, but also a responsibility.

It is our responsibility to protect the environment, respect the culture, and contribute to the sustainable development of the communities we visit. When we step into a new land with respect and gratitude, we are not only discovering but also contributing to global peace. There are many examples of how tourism can truly create change. One notable example is Rwanda, a country once traumatized by genocide, which has chosen ecotourism as a driver of development.

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

Protecting gorillas and their natural environment has not only contributed to economic development but also symbolized the nation's healing. Visitors come to Rwanda not only to experience its wildlife 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: Provided by the interviewee)

Another example is Colombia, where tourism has contributed significantly to reconciliation after decades of conflict. Ecotourism tours to rainforests and the Caribbean coast not only provide opportunities for people to reintegrate but also enable them to directly participate in environmental conservation. Tourism in Colombia has become a means for former adversaries 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 much tension and division, I believe that tourism can serve as a powerful tool for building positive connections. Every traveler can become an ambassador of peace, a bridge connecting 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.

Therefore, on this year's World Tourism Day, let's reconsider the role of tourism not only as a smokeless industry, but also as a path to peace. Let's become responsible travelers, exploring the world with open hearts and souls oriented towards the highest human values.

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