Amman Declaration on Peace Through Tourism

We the representatives and participants at the Global Summit on Peace Through Tourism, assembled in Amman, Jordan, from 8-11 November 2000….

….recognize that travel and tourism is a worldwide social and cultural phenomenon, engaging people of all nations as hosts and guests, and as such is one of humanity’s truly global activities.…

….and that travel and tourism is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries, creating one in eleven jobs, contributing to international and regional economic growth, bridging disparities between developed and developing countries, and bringing prosperity which fosters peace…

…and that peace is an essential precondition for travel and tourism and all aspects of human growth and development..

…and the development of tourism as a global vehicle for promoting understanding, trust and goodwill among peoples of the world requires an appropriate political and economic framework.

….Do hereby declare our commitment to building a Culture of Peace through Tourism, and support for the following principles:

1. That tourism is a fundamental human activity engaging social, cultural, religious, economic, educational, environmental, and political values and responsibilities.
2. That the right of people to travel is a fundamental human right which should be exercised without undue restriction including the facilitation of travel for those with disabilities and special needs.
3. That community livelihood should be enhanced and local cohesion encouraged and that all peoples and communities be recognized as being manifestations of a heritage. 4. That human differences be respected and cultural diversity celebrated, as a precious human asset and that peaceful relationships among all people be promoted and nurtured through sustainable tourism.
5. That historical monuments and land-marks be protected and where necessary restored and rehabilitated and made accessible to everyone as valuable assets for humanity and legacies for future generations.
6. That the preservation and wise use of the environment, and ecological balance, are essential to the future of tourism, and that ancient wisdoms of Indigenous Peoples and care for the Earth be acknowledged and respected.
7. That the global reach of the tourist industry be utilized in promoting “dialogues on peace” and in bridging the have and have-not societies of the various regions of the world.

…and acknowledge the legacy of His Majesty The Late King Hussein of Jordan in laying the foundation of peace in the region and for his effort to make the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan “a land of peace” and a place of welcome for the peaceful traveler; the commitment of His Majesty King Abdullah II to strengthen and expand King Hussein’s Legacy of peace; and to the Government and people of Jordan, for their hospitality and support and their generous contribution to the success of the conference.

….and commend the IIPT for giving scope to the vision of peace through tourism and for its untiring effort toward that end, and to the title sponsor and other sponsors and contributors, for advancing the cause of Peace through Tourism….

…and welcome the declaration by the United Nations of the International Year for the Culture of Peace (2000) and the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010)

… and commit ourselves to the realization of the goals and objectives as enshrined in the United Nations Declaration of Program of Action on a Culture of Peace through our activities and initiatives.

Adopted at Amman 11 November, 2000

May Peace prevail on Earth

Summit Participants

The 450 delegates from 60 countries around the world included 22 Chief Executive Officers of major travel industry corporations, 14 Ministers of Tourism, senior officials from governments, UN Agencies, the World Bank and leading educators, thinkers, policy makers and practioners. Delegates were senior executives from the diverse sectors of the travel and tourism industry, both public and private, as well as executives from non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) in the areas of culture, heritage, parks, environment, and development.

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