Planning for Peace: The Role of Tourism in the Aftermath of Violence

Abstract

This article explores the role of tourism in the aftermath of violence, using the example of the contested heritage of Northern Ireland and its potential contribution to community peace building as the province emerges from 30 years of conflict. As a lasting peace seems to be a real possibility, the planning policies of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) are examined to see how they have operated within the context of a contested heritage. The Tower Museum in Londonderry is used as a case study to see what a best-practice model of the use of heritage tourism in community peace building might look like.