The tourism-peace nexus in the Mediterranean: core pillars and research directions

Tourism has long been recognized as one of the most powerful global industries, capable of generating economic growth, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting mutual understanding between nations (UNWTO, 2022). This role is especially relevant in the Mediterranean region, one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, which continue to demonstrate growth both in leisure-driven destinations and cultural attractions, providing a strong foundation for continued development through 2030 (EMEA, 2025). In this region, tourism can hold a fundamental function, acting as a tool for intercultural dialogue and reconciliation among peoples (Kim & Crompton, 1990; Salazar, 2006). While the impact of peace on tourism development is well-established - since tourism cannot flourish in countries devastated by conflicts (Litvin, 1988) - the extent to which tourism can contribute to peace still requires further investigation within the scientific community. This chapter synthesizes the main findings and key pillars emerging from the studies collected in the volume “Tourism and Peacebuilding in the Mediterranean Region: Navigating Conflict, Fostering Reconciliation, and Promoting Development.” Building on these contributions, it highlights the principal theoretical and managerial implications for understanding and leveraging tourism as a tool for conflict mitigation, reconciliation, and sustainable development in the Mediterranean region. By offering insights relevant to both scholars and practitioners, the chapter provides new perspectives on the role of tourism in peacebuilding processes, identifies key challenges and opportunities for future research and practice, and summarizes the overarching conclusions emerging from the volume.