It has also served as a vehicle for territorial expansion, espionage, terrorism, colonialism, slavery, desecration of cultures, exploitation of resources, and war. Because of these diverse motivations, it is imperative that those of us, who work in the travel industry and long for world peace, consider how tourism may be used as a means to build understanding and tolerance between individuals and nations of the world. For the sake of clarity, in the following essay when I speak of travel or tourism, I refer to modern international business and leisure travel. The Thoughtful Traveler There are few pleasures greater in life than making a new friend or seeing something for the first time and realizing how great and diverse is this earth upon which we live. Although wondrous discoveries may happen anywhere, travel can be one of the most exhilarating and effortless ways to learn about this world.
Modern explorers have tremendous advantages over their peers from the past.
We can board overnight flights and wake up on the other side of the planet. We can study at great universities overseas, reserve accommodations weeks in advance, or arrange for a guide to help us climb a mountain. We can dive alongside fragile coral reefs, cruise exotic islands, or book a seat on a flight into outer space. Thoughtful tourists realize that some options support nature conservation and preservation of cultures, while others may be detrimental to local communities or environments. Tourism professionals have a responsibility to help travelers chart their course.