Yes, it happens in Iran
The association of two powerful concepts such as tourism and peace represents, per se, an instrument with very high potential and impact within the overall process of global understanding, intercultural dialogue and respect. This powerful idea becomes even more powerful and becomes an even more vital challenge when promoted by a country like Iran. Why? Iran is a marvelous place with extraordinary potential for tourism, with a population closely connected to its traditions but at the same time one of the most welcoming towards visitors, in particular foreigners. Despite this, Iran’s image suffers from constant (and unfortunately, effective) campaigns of discredit by those Western media representing the toxic geopolitical agenda of some countries, which has lately strengthened again. As a result, the vast majority are literally afraid of traveling to Iran, due to the image and the reputation of this country abroad, particularly in the West.
That’s why when countries like Iran and its people, rich in culture and traditions, but also open to change and socio-economic challenges, send to the world a message of peace, the latter becomes even stronger than one might think. A message to the world about what people really is. A message to the world about what people really wants. And tourism become the vehicle for this powerful, challenging message.
Our work is to promote and facilitate the creation of this link (tourism and peace/peace through tourism). Created in April 2018, the Iran Chapter of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT), is very active and has recently been presented on several occasions, such as the 3rd International Conference on Tourism and Spirituality (University of Science and Culture, Tehran) and the International Seminar on Peace Communication and Urban Tourism (University of Tehran), last January. They were intense days of work and meetings with numerous local and national stakeholders involved in tourism development. Once again, Iran has shown its strong interest in promoting intercultural dialogue and peace through tourism. Also worthy of note was the visit of the IIPT – Iran Chapter board at the museum of the Islamic Revolution and Holy Defense. An extraordinary museum from all points of view: the outstanding use of multimedia, the art works exhibited, the reconstructions and the sensorial engagement of the visitors through the stupendous use of technologies. The implicit message of repudiation of war is powerful (and I must confess I was so touched that tears ran down my face during a moment of the tour). During the visit and the meeting with the representatives of the museum’s direction – who hosted us very kindly – indeed we put the basis for future cooperation in order to express even more explicitly this positive message of peace. Inshallah!
IIPT Ambassador at large
IIPT’s Special envoy for Iran
No comments:
Post a Comment