ABSTRACT
World Tourism Organization (WTO) defines the Organization's fundamental aim as "the promotion and development of tourism with a view to contributing to economic development, international understanding (and) peace". The Global Code is, without doubt, one of the most remarkable advances made in recent years in world tourism. But the Code has established a direct link between the liberalization of tourism trade, sustainable development, control of the social and cultural impact of tourism, and the promotion of a culture of peace through tourist exchange. The Code, and indeed WTO's work in general, lays special emphasis on the complex relationship between tourism and peace, because tourism can only thrive in a safe and peaceful environment. Tourism in itself is a harbinger of peace, because the direct contact it fosters between visitor and host is irreplaceable. There is no doubt that tourism can help to strengthen the peace process and promote the fundamental values of the Declaration. Peace and Tourism belong together.
