Tourism Promotes a Culture of Peace
The Federation of World Peace and Love visits Greek Ministry of Tourism for Discussions and Exchanges
Ancient Greek civilization has influenced the world in many fields, including politics, philosophy, architecture, history, medicine, sports, literature, and drama. Most concepts of Greek culture come from Athens. On July 8th, the delegation arrived in Athens and paid a visit to the Greek Ministry of Tourism, where they were received by Angela Varela, Head of the Greek National Tourism Organization in Greece and Abroad. Aris Gavrielatos, writing consultant at the Ministry of Tourism, Greece, was also present and responded by endorsing the “The Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope.”
In his speech, Dr. Hong noted that conscience is crucial to the promotion of peace, and advancing love and peace is his lifelong mission. Angela Varela stated that it is not easy to make people understand the true meaning of the word “conscience”; it is a mission and a lifelong achievement. In her speech, Angela Varela said, “Travel is the most peaceful activity in human history, and the tourism industry can only thrive in times of peace. Through travel, people exchange perspectives, understand new cultures, and meet people from different backgrounds, opening their minds. I congratulate you. This is a brave mission. I hope all countries in the world become more conscientious.”
Aris Gavrielatos, a sociologist and consultant at the Ministry of Tourism in Greece, stated that the Ministry is planning a new form of tourism that will both develop the industry and adequately protect the environment. He emphasized that tourism is a peaceful way to meet people and exchange cultures. Therefore, they strongly support love, peace, and conscience, as without conscience, there would be no peace and love in the world.
Volunteer Liu Xinhong stated that Athens is a city rich in historical relics, where ancient monuments can be encountered everywhere on the streets. The Greeks are very proud of their cultural history, even making many urban development adjustments to protect these monuments. He gave an example of a hotel that ingeniously combined a new building with an old historic chapel, preserving the chapel's structure and turning it into a unique landmark that attracts many tourists. Culture is a country's soft power, and good culture can inspire national character. Efforts to preserve excellent cultural buildings while balancing economic development also validate Dr. Hong's idea of combining spirituality and technology, showcasing the wisdom of the Athenians.