The Responsibility of Tour Operators in Conflict Regions

Tourism in countries affected by conflicts can have a positive influence, but might also reinforce conflicts. Tour operators selling trips to such regions have a special responsibility to promote peace and minimize problems, says Claudia Osthues. In order to formulate conflict-related CSR objectives, both the conflict and the socio-cultural context need to be analysed.

There is no way to take a "neutral" position, e.g. in a situation such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Tourists need to be sensitized to be able to understand what they see and experience during their trip. Tour operators should ensure that autocratic regimes do not benefit from tourism. The tourism industry may also be in a position to encourage cooperation between conflicting parties. Tour operators may select business partners actively involved in peace initiatives.

Claudia Osthues is a graduate in tourism management and has conducted research on CSR in conflict regions for EED Tourism Watch.

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