A new study published by the Pacific Asia Travel Association examines the fluctuations that occur in international travel in destinations that experience both internal and external political and cultural conflicts. The study particularly looks at the countries in South and Southeast Asia which were at one time colonized and experienced political turmoil in their recent histories.

“If peace prevails, tourism can flourish. Tourism helps economies to grow; it reduces the disparity between social classes; it alleviates poverty and, most importantly, it provides an opportunity for people to develop a better understanding of each other. With this report we want to show in simple numbers the positive benefits that travel and tourism can bring to a destination. We want to give a sense of hope to those who are still affected by conflict and show them the path to a better future. We can learn from our past and improve our future and we hope that this report will help readers to better understand the benefits that tourism can bring to our world,” said Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA.

PATA aims for the report to inspire leaders to better blend the solving of internal and external conflicts with the benefits of a thriving tourism industry.