The Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism (AITT) successfully conducted an exhibition as part of World Tourism Day 2024. The exhibition, titled 'Tourism: Pathway to Peace & Prosperity,' aligned with this year’s theme of 'Tourism and Peace' and emphasized the transformative role of tourism in fostering global harmony and cultural understanding. The event attracted faculty, students, and tourism experts who explored the significant challenges and opportunities in two key regions—Africa and the Far East.
Objectives:
The exhibition was designed to highlight how tourism can address pressing issues faced by these regions and promote peace and development. The focus was on the contrast between the challenges these regions face and the solutions tourism provides.
- The Left Side (Africa) depicted the challenges such as religious conflict, food insecurity, and piracy in countries like Nigeria and Somalia, while also showcasing tourism-led initiatives like economic growth, wildlife conservation, and cultural preservation in South Africa.
- The Right Side (Far East) explored geopolitical challenges like North Korea’s nuclear threat and China-Taiwan tensions, along with the positive impact of tourism through technological growth, cultural diplomacy with K-pop and K-dramas, and peace initiatives like DMZ tours.
Key Highlights:
- Quadrant 1 (Africa’s Challenges): Focus on religious conflict in Nigeria, food insecurity, and piracy in Somalia.
- Quadrant 2 (African Tourism Solutions): Display of tourism’s role in driving economic growth and cultural preservation in South Africa.
- Quadrant 3 (Far East Challenges): Geopolitical issues in North Korea, China-Taiwan tensions, and regional instability.
- Quadrant 4 (Far East Tourism Growth): Emphasis on South Korea’s technological advancements, the rise of the Hallyu (Korean Wave), and peace-promoting tourism initiatives like DMZ tours.
Expected Outcomes:
- Understanding Global Challenges and Solutions:
Students learned how tourism can address issues like political instability, economic struggles, and environmental concerns in Africa and the Far East.
- Cultural Appreciation and Peace-Building:
They gained insight into how tourism fosters cultural preservation and promotes peace through initiatives like DMZ tours.
- Economic Growth and Sustainability:
Students saw how tourism boosts economic growth and supports sustainable practices, particularly in regions like South Africa and South Korea.
- Critical Thinking and Advocacy:
Students developed the ability to critically assess tourism’s impact and advocate for peace-promoting tourism practices.
The contrasting experiences of Africa and the Far East show that, despite their geographic separation, both regions benefit from the peace-building power of tourism. The exhibition showcased the creativity, passion, and dedication of students at AITT, reinforcing the importance of tourism as a tool for global peace and development.