US, July 14 -- If governments are to recognize tourism as a strategic pillar of national policy, they must also recognize something far more fundamental:

Tourism is not simply an economic activity. It is one of the world's most effective instruments of diplomacy, peacebuilding, national resilience, and social development.

Few industries create so many opportunities for people to meet across borders. Few industries depend so heavily on international cooperation. Few industries collapse so quickly when peace disappears. That alone should elevate tourism far beyond its traditional role as a marketing function. Tourism Is Diplomacy Without Negotiations International relations are traditionally viewed through treaties, embassies, trade agree...