The fifth volume of the Book Series “Tourism Studies on the Mediterranean Region”, edited by Piera Buonincontri, Senior Researcher at CNR-ISMed, Luisa Errichiello, Research Director at CNR-ISMed, and Roberto Micera, Associate Researcher at CNR-ISMed and Professor at the University of Basilicata, has been published.

The volume, entitled “Tourism and Peacebuilding in the Mediterranean Region: Navigating Conflict, Fostering Reconciliation, and Promoting Development”, was developed in collaboration with guest editor Prof. Danijel Pavlović and explores the complex relationship between tourism and peacebuilding in the Mediterranean, a region historically shaped by cultural encounters, geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and reconciliation processes.

The volume examines tourism not only as an economic activity but also as a catalyst for intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, community resilience, and sustainable development. Through nine scholarly contributions, the book addresses topics such as cross-border tourism cooperation, tourism diplomacy, educational tourism for reconciliation, community participation, sustainability, social cohesion, and the role of memory, art, and creativity in processes of social reconstruction.

Focusing on Mediterranean contexts, the chapters present case studies and analyses, adopting qualitative, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approaches. The contributions demonstrate how tourism can support peacebuilding through international cooperation, participatory governance, cultural diplomacy, and the enhancement of tangible and intangible heritage.

From a theoretical perspective, the volume advances the debate on the tourism–peace nexus by critically examining the conditions under which tourism can become an effective tool for reconciliation and inclusive development. The book identifies four key pillars of peacebuilding through tourism: economic interdependence and diplomacy, the reinterpretation of cultural and historical heritage, participatory governance, and the reconstruction of territorial images and narratives.

From a managerial and policy perspective, the volume highlights the importance of designing and governing tourism in a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable manner, encouraging the active involvement of local communities and fostering dialogue and cooperation among public authorities, private stakeholders, and civil society.

The book provides valuable insights for academics, policymakers, destination managers, tourism practitioners, and students interested in understanding how tourism can contribute to peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development in the Mediterranean region and beyond.