LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: BEA BRODA
As 2026 unfolds, the global landscape is shifting rapidly, with uncertainty and upheaval marking the path forward. Amidst this turmoil, tourism emerges as a beacon of hope, adapting and evolving in response to global challenges. But what’s next for an industry navigating treacherous geopolitical waters and shifting regulations?
The answer lies in the transformative power of travel. As people seek more meaningful experiences, tourism can be a force for good, fostering cross-cultural understanding and contributing to local communities. By investing in destinations, travelers can make a positive impact, cultivating a sense of global citizenship.
The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) has been championing this vision for 40 years, promoting peace and sustainability through tourism. With milestone celebrations on the horizon, the IIPT is poised to continue driving positive change.
This newsletter includes exciting news about plans to celebrate yet one more significant IIPT milestone, as well as celebratory moments for many of our members.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT: AJAY PRAKASH
Tourism for Peace in an Age of Existential Risk: eN-eM-eN
As the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT) approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026, it stands at a defining crossroads – reaffirming its founding belief that tourism can be one of humanity’s most powerful instruments for peace, understanding, and global cooperation.
In 1991, at the end of the Cold War, the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) was signed between the United States and the Soviet Union. It sought to limit nuclear arsenals to 6,000 warheads and 1,600 intercontinental ballistic missiles. After several interruptions, extensions and amendments, the treaty finally expired on 5 February 2026.
At the time of START, only two countries possessed nuclear weapons. Today, that number has grown to ten, while global nuclear stockpiles have more than doubled the levels originally envisaged under the treaty. This raises a troubling question: will the expiry of START signal a return to the reckless arms race of the late 20th century? Or can humanity persuade its political leaders to abandon the doctrine of “nuclear deterrence” and choose a different path to peace?
Nuclear weapons do not protect peace. They endanger civilization itself – destroying not only cities and lives, but the very foundations of travel, development, and human exchange.
Silence is no longer an option. IIPT firmly believes that peace is not only essential for tourism – it is critical for the survival of the human race itself. Our quest is not merely to end wars, but to end the conditions that give rise to war, and to challenge the weapons that make mass destruction possible. This is a responsibility that civil society, including the global tourism community, must actively embrace.
In this spirit, IIPT is advancing a proposal to call for a global ban on nuclear weapons, aligning the tourism sector with worldwide movements for disarmament, dialogue, and lasting security. Peace, as IIPT has always affirmed, is not simply the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
Later this year, IIPT will convene a Global Leadership Summit, with details to be announced shortly. This gathering will revisit our 40-year journey of Peace Through Tourism and help chart a course to reimagine the future — not only of travel, but of our planet.
Many of you know the name Eminem.
Today, we propose another powerful expression: eN-eM-eN – No More Nukes.
By standing together under the banner of eN-eM-eN: No More Nukes, the tourism community declares that our industry will not be neutral in the face of existential risk. We choose life; we choose dialogue; we choose peace.
Tourism connects humanity; it transforms strangers into neighbours and distance into understanding. A world threatened by nuclear annihilation is a world where tourism, and civilization, cannot survive.
So, let this be our legacy: One Industry, One Resolve, One Voice, No More Nukes!
ABOUT THE IIPT 40TH ANNIVERSARY PLANS
A Zoom call was recently held to discuss plans for IIPT’s 40th anniversary. Although the plans are still in their fledgling state, IIPT will hold a 40th Anniversary Celebration at the United Nations in New York on October 22–23, 2026. This journey will require faith, perseverance, and dedication—but few missions are worthier than IIPT’s vision of Peace through Tourism.
At this time, members are developing action plans based on a strategic overview which was shared during the Zoom meeting. With many hands involved, IIPT plans to move forward together toward a phenomenal celebration. Stay tuned for more detailed news on this exciting milestone for IIPT.
NEWS FROM THE SERBIA CHAPTER
The Serbia Chapter is pleased to announce that the fourth IIPT Peace Park in Serbia – Banjica in Sokobanja, has been officially proclaimed.
You can read more at https://iipt.rs/en/new-iipt-peace-park-in-serbia-officialy-proclaimed/.
The news was also published on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7403746935938920448/?actorCompanyId=79621868
From Jovan Popesku
THE CARIBBEAN CHAPTER
CCRP of Jamaica has bestowed honors on our cherished IIPT Caribbean Chapter president, Diana McIntyre-Pike. Here, she is recognized for empowering communities and promoting economic self-resilience. Here is the link to watch a brief video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/iH7BSmLrsQk?feature=share
An article recently published by Juergen Steinmetz of eTurbonews speaks volumes about Diana and her remarkable contributions:
“Recognized as a World Tourism Network Hero, Diana McIntyre-Pike stands as one of the most influential pioneers of community tourism in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Her life’s work represents a powerful alternative to mass tourism—one that moves beyond five-star, all-inclusive resorts and returns tourism to its roots: human connection, cultural exchange, and direct benefits to local people.”
Continued at this link:
https://eturbonews.com/diana-mcintyre-pike-community-tourism-jamaica/
Congratulations to Diana and her iconic leadership!
SOME INSPIRATIONS TO CONSIDER
Sent to the newsletter by Timothy Marshall: Words from Samantha Brown about the real power of travel:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/akEn5bRI53M
RECOGNIZING TOURISM LEADERS
Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism of the Republic of Seychelles, has been honoured with the Women’s Tabloid Award 2025 for Excellence in Tourism Leadership, recognizing her passion-driven commitment to sustainable tourism, inclusive leadership, and authentic storytelling that creates opportunity and long-term impact globally.
The full article can be read at this link:
https://eturbonews.com/sherin-francis-womens-tabloid-award-2025-tourism-leadership/
THE WORD PEACE
The word “peace” has been chosen as the Word of the Year by around 500 young people in the UK between the ages of 6 and 14 years old. The word peace has increased by 60% since 2015, according to stories submitted to the BBC’s 500 Words competition. Read more here:https://corp.oup.com/news/peace-named-oxford-childrens-word-of-the-year-for-2025/
IN CLOSING
I would like to take the opportunity to end this newsletter with a popular prayer first coined by St. Francis of Assisi – a prayer that is as relevant now as the moment it was first spoken:
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon”.
These are powerful words for us to keep in mind as we navigate 2026 and prepare for the celebration of 40 years of IIPT!
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