Today, as people around the world celebrate World Tourism Day, this year’s theme — Tourism and Peace — focuses on the transformative power of tourism in fostering understanding and reconciliation between nations and cultures. Observed annually on Sept. 27 and organized by UN Tourism (formerly known as the United Nations World Tourism Organization), the event brings together leaders, stakeholders and communities from across the globe to reflect on tourism’s role in promoting peace and development.
This year’s event, hosted in Tbilisi, Georgia, highlights how tourism serves as a bridge for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. Beyond its economic influence, tourism promotes cultural exchange, helping resolve conflicts, build empathy and strengthen communities worldwide. The celebrations aim to explore innovative strategies and parternships to ensure tourism remains a catalyst for global peace and sustainable development.
At UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, ranked as the top hospitality and tourism program in the nation and renowned for its groundbreaking research contributions to the industry, researchers are studying tourism’s potential not only to boost economies but also to enrich lives and advance human development. By examining tourism’s broader impact — on education, poverty reduction and social equity — Rosen College faculty demonstrate how the industry can lay the groundwork for peaceful, inclusive societies.
Tourism as a Catalyst for Human Development
In a study published in the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research and featured in the Summer 2024 edition of the Rosen Research Review, Rosen College researchers Robertico Croes and Jorge Ridderstaat explored the connection between destination competitiveness — a destination’s ability to attract tourists — and human development, which encompasses better access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.
Using Malaysia as a case study, they discovered that tourism, contributing to nearly 15% of the country’s GDP, had a significant impact on improving living standards. More specifically, Malaysia’s Human Development Index, which measures progress in health, education and income, increased from 0.723 in 2000 to 0.81 by 2019. The findings suggest that as a destination becomes more competitive in tourism, local communities benefit through job creation, higher wages and enhanced services.
The ripple effect of tourism extends beyond direct employment in the hospitality sector. The industry stimulates growth in agriculture, transportation and retail, providing a broader economic lift. Croes and Ridderstaat’s research shows how this type of growth can support long-term human development by giving communities the tools they need to improve infrastructure, offer better education and reduce poverty.
The Importance of Governance and Human Agency
While tourism can drive development, Croes and Ridderstaat emphasize that the benefits must be distributed fairly. This is where governance plays a critical role. Effective governance — through fair policies and transparent regulations — ensures that tourism’s economic benefits reach the broader population, rather than staying concentrated among a few.
Their research shows that regions with strong governance structures, such as Malaysia, saw significant reductions in income inequality. In tourism-rich areas, income disparities narrowed by up to 25% when tourism revenues were reinvested into local communities. This redistribution of wealth not only boosts local economies but also creates a sense of ownership among residents, further promoting stability.
The researchers also highlight human agency, or the ability of individuals and communities to shape their own development. When locals are involved in the planning and decision-making process, they’re more likely to see the benefits of tourism in their daily lives. Croes and Ridderstaat found that communities actively participating in tourism strategies experienced notable improvements in education and poverty reduction. This empowerment, they argue, is key to ensuring that tourism contributes to long-term development.
Sustainable Tourism: A Path to Balanced Growth and Social Progress
The study emphasizes the importance of managing tourism growth sustainably to protect the environment and local communities. Croes and Ridderstaat highlight that destinations adopting sustainable practices can enjoy long-term benefits by preserving natural and cultural resources while ensuring a lasting positive impact from tourism. Their research underscores the need to balance short-term economic gains with long-term sustainability, as rapid growth without planning can lead to environmental harm and inequality.
Additionally, the study shows that responsible tourism development supports economic growth, job creation, and improved access to education and healthcare, all of which reduce inequality and foster social stability. By promoting sustainable practices and good governance, tourism can help build peaceful, equitable societies and drive human development for both present and future generations.
Tourism’s Potential to Shape Better Futures
As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2024, the work of Rosen College researchers reminds us that tourism is more than just a driver of economic growth — it’s a force that can improve lives. By focusing on governance, sustainability and community engagement, destinations can harness tourism’s potential to support human development, create opportunities and build more equitable societies.
Rosen College’s research contributions continue to play a vital role in shaping global tourism policy and advancing our understanding of tourism’s impact on human development. Croes and Ridderstaat’s work is a testament to how tourism, when managed thoughtfully, can extend its benefits beyond economics to improve education, reduce poverty and promote social progress. In this way, tourism can be a meaningful contributor to a more connected, peaceful world.
To learn more about Rosen College’s impactful research and its contributions to advancing the global tourism industry, visit this webpage.
