The Role of Tourism in Promoting Human Rights: A Review of Literature

Abstract

This review explores the intricate relationship between tourism and human rights, assessing the potential benefits and risks of tourism's influence on a broad spectrum of human rights, including political, civil, social, cultural, economic, and environmental rights. The review systematically analyzes literature from prominent databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, covering publications from 2000 to 2023. It portrays tourism as having dual effects: it can foster freedom of movement, expression, and cultural diversity, but it may also lead to human rights violations such as exploitation and environmental damage. The review emphasizes tourism's educational value in promoting human rights awareness among tourists and local communities, fostering cultural understanding and tolerance. It also highlights tourism's role in poverty alleviation and socio-economic enhancement, particularly for marginalized groups. The findings advocate for a human rights-based approach to tourism development and management to ensure that benefits are distributed fairly and sustainably. The review calls for responsible tourism practices and policies prioritizing human rights, suggesting that such an approach can maximize tourism's positive impacts while minimizing its negative consequences. The review concludes by stressing the need for continued research and increased collaboration among tourism industry stakeholders to ensure that tourism effectively contributes to human rights advancement, thereby fostering a more equitable and respectful global tourism industry.