Reducing political tensions and conflicts between communities, tourism activities are located among the most important studies that can be made towards the creation of a moderate environment. Tourism is recognized as a major force in...
moreReducing political tensions and conflicts between communities, tourism activities are located among the most important studies that can be made towards the creation of a moderate environment. Tourism is recognized as a major force in maintaining an atmosphere of peace as well as being the potential to provide for the strengthening of mutual communication, cooperation and understanding. In this regard, 20 students in graduate education in December of 2014 in Mersin University, Institute of Social Sciences Department of Tourism Management were asked to answer to the three questions in writing about tourism and peace issues. Responses were subjected to the content analysis. Participants think that tourism contributes in terms of social, cultural, political and economic by affecting peace. Students think how can be used tourism in order to support international peace; the hostility can be reduced by using tourism, mutual understanding can be developed, the tolerance can be improved and economic benefits can be achieved, thus they think it can be contributed to an atmosphere of peace directly or indirectly. Students think tourism contributes the formation of the peace process between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and South Cyprus by developing common plan and policy and by performing mutual tourism activities. Findings are united in the thought that mutual tourism activities provide important contributions to peace. In addition, it arises an idea that power of tourism will effect understanding between different communities directly and positively in social and cultural interaction experienced in an intense way.