Tourism as a Force for Political Stability

The International Handbook on “Tourism and Peace” (Forthcoming)

18 Pages Posted: 17 Aug 2013

See all articles by Craig Webster

Craig Webster

Ball State University

Stanislav Hristov Ivanov

Zangador; Zangador Research institute; Varna University of Management (VUM)

Date Written: August 16, 2013

Abstract

While there is substantial literature investigating the economic benefits of tourism for countries, less literature delves into the political benefits of tourism. In this paper, the authors investigate the issue of political conflict and the theoretical reasons that it is believed that tourism should lead to peacebuilding and political stability. Then, the authors deal with several case studies in which tourism has played a role or could play a role in political stability or peacebuilding. The authors illustrate via examples (Cyprus, Korea, and Ireland) that there are situations in which tourism has played a role or could play a role in supporting political cooperation and supporting political stability. The authors conclude, illustrating general observations regarding the relationship between tourism and political stability and the related concept of peacebuilding. In addition, the authors make comments regarding what concrete and practical measures countries can take in order to utilize the engine of tourism for the purposes of bolstering political stability and encouraging the building of peace both within and between societies.

Keywords: tourism, peace, Ireland, Korea, Cyprus

Suggested Citation

Webster, Craig and Ivanov, Stanislav Hristov and Ivanov, Stanislav Hristov, Tourism as a Force for Political Stability (August 16, 2013). The International Handbook on “Tourism and Peace” (Forthcoming), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2311176

Craig Webster

Ball State University ( email )

2000 W. University Avenue
Muncie, IN 47306
United States

Stanislav Hristov Ivanov (Contact Author)

Zangador ( email )

Varna, 9010
Bulgaria

HOME PAGE: http://www.zangador.eu

Zangador Research institute

Varna, 9010
Bulgaria

HOME PAGE: http://www.zangador.institute/

Varna University of Management (VUM) ( email )

13 Oborishte Street
Varna, 9000
Bulgaria
+359 898 680713 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.vum.bg

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