The International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT) was founded in 1986, the UN International Year of Peace, as a Travel and Tourism industry response to the peaking of terrorism, 1985-1986; the growing tensions of East and West in the early 1980’s; a deteriorating Environment; and the growing gap between the ‘have and have not’ regions of the world.
IIPT’S Mission is to help bring about a peaceful and sustainable world through tourism initiatives which contribute to international understanding and cooperation, an improved quality of environment, the preservation of heritage, and poverty reduction. We believe that the world’s largest industry, Travel and Tourism, must be the world’s first global Peace industry. We further believe that every traveler is potentially an “Ambassador for Peace”.
The Ukrainian people have demonstrated enormous courage and Grace in the face of untold horror. Their beautiful children, brilliant students, protective mothers, strong fathers, courageous leaders, and enduring Faith have sustained them in this most difficult hour. Diplomacy, not War, must be the path forward in Ukraine. Civilian lives, homes, cultural and civic institutions, and the beautiful way of Life for the Ukrainian people are being devastated.
The Theme at the end of World War I was “NO MORE WAR”. In the spirit of this Theme and world Peace, IIPT has dedicated 450 Peace Parks on 6 continents around the world. We encourage all leaders and people of goodwill to stand in solidarity with the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, the U.N. World Tourism Organization and the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism in calling for Peace and Diplomacy rather than War and Atrocities.
IIPT looks forward to dedicating a Global Peace Park in FREEDOM SQUARE, Kharkiv, Ukraine, after the ending of this war.
IIPT CREDO of the PEACEFUL TRAVELER
‘Grateful for the opportunity to travel and experience the world, and because peace begins with the individual, I affirm my personal responsibility and commitment to:
Journey with an open mind and gentle heart; Accept with grace and gratitude the diversity I encounter; Revere and protect the natural environment which sustains all Life; Appreciate all cultures I discover; Respect and thank my hosts for their welcome; Offer my hand in friendship to everyone I meet; Support travel services that share these views and act upon them; and By my spirit, words and actions, encourage others to travel the world in peace.’
Louis D’Amore, IIPT President and Founder
Taleb Rifai, Chairman, IIPT International Advisory Board
Timothy Marshall, Chairman, IIPT Board of Directors
Reza Soltani, International Relation & Communication
I believe in and support this statement. We are all members of the human family and need to embrace this truth.