Tourism as a Form of International Relations

This timely book introduces the tourist as a non-state actor on the international political stage. Discussing the ways in which tourism has enabled political dynamics to unfold and shape political affairs, Katerina Antoniou suggests how tourist activity can be used to foster inclusive and empowering political conduct, as well as suggestions on how it can support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Through a combination of theoretical and analytical models from both the fields of international relations and tourism, this book provides an analysis of how tourist activity shapes global political processes and phenomena, and adopts a post-disciplinary approach to the topics discussed. Chapters explore how contemporary tourist activity, driven by cosmopolitan values and cultural literacy, has the capacity to generate inclusive and sustainable development, shape dynamics in international security, and foster sustainable peace. The book further introduces four typologies of tourist-performed diplomacy, covering factors of state interests, global causes, intentional diplomatic activity, and coincidental diplomacy.

The blend of insightful case studies and theory will make this an invigorating read for tourism – particularly sustainable tourism – scholars, students, and practitioners. It will also be a critical book for international relations academics as well as policymakers and international organization representatives looking for a deeper understanding of the inter-relationships between tourism and international relations.