Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.37741/t.73.3.7
Tourism Diplomacy Co-creates and Reshapes Perceptions in Tourist-Host Relationship
Bob Yi-Chen Duan
; School of Management, Yunnan Normal University, China; Griffith Institute for Tourism, Griffith University, Australia
*
Jingjing Dai
; School of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Ningxia University
Yuetian Zhang
; School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau
Emily Ma
; Department of Hospitality and Events, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Surrey, UK
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This study examines the role of tourism diplomacy in promoting regional peace from the perspective of the tourist-host relationship. The aim is to assess whether tourism improves or erodes links between two geopolitically connected countries that have been involved in conflicts. Based on interpretive paradigms, the findings confirm that tourism constitutes a form of soft diplomacy promoting mutual understanding. Determining factors of current and future tourism diplomacy are identified: (i) economic dependence, (ii) an open atmosphere, and (iii) physical and psychological distance. Furthermore, the proposed frameworks highlight that the tourist-host relationship extends to a broader social sphere. Additionally, it is suggested that the tourist-host relationship should be expanded to include both parties; the previous host becomes the traveller, and vice versa.
Keywords
economic dependence; open atmosphere; rebranding images; physical and psychological distance; geopolitical
Hrčak ID:
333732
URI
Publication date:
15.7.2025.
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