IIPT September & October 2025 Newsletter

Letter from the Editor

Dear friends of IIPT,

As we welcome the autumn season, I’d like to begin this newsletter with a reflection on the recent World Peace Day. Ajay Prakash’s letter, shared earlier, continues to resonate deeply, offering timeless wisdom that transcends seasons.

I’ve recently returned from an inspiring journey to Peru, where I had the privilege of filming for my TV travel series. My experience on the Salkantay Trail, as part of a “female empowerment” hiking tour, was particularly noteworthy. This tour, led by some of the large staff of Raul Colque of Alpaca Expeditions, showcased the transformative power of responsible tourism.

During my visit, I met a group of women working at an alpaca farm, skillfully weaving and creating vibrant textiles. Initially, I assumed they were content in their work, but a friend’s response to one of my Facebook posts about the encounter made me realize that not all workers in similar industries are treated fairly. However, I was heartened to learn about Raul’s commitment to empowering local communities, particularly women, and ensuring they benefit directly from tourism.

This experience embodied the essence of successful tourism: mutual benefit, community growth, and empowerment. The tour not only empowered the women participating but also the women who provided services, creating a positive impact on both sides. As we strive for a more peaceful world, initiatives like these demonstrate the potential for tourism to drive positive change.

I am inspired to meet more people involved in significantly interfacing with and benefitting the communities they tour, and invite readers to submit stories and information that we could highlight in future issues.

A New Peace Park in Serbia

The third Peace Park of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) is officially proclaimed in Čačak, Serbia. It covers 36 ha, on which there is the Memorial Park of Struggle and Victory, dedicated to soldiers and civilians who died during the liberation of Čačak in World War II. The Park also includes a memorial complex (megaron and dolmen) designed by architect Bogdan Bogdanović.

Representatives of the City Assembly of Čačak, the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments (Kraljevo), the National Tourism Organization of Serbia and the Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT Serbia) spoke at the ceremony. Students of the Music School from Čačak participated in the music program.

The representative of the Čačak City Assembly, Gordana Majstorović, on behalf of the Čačak Tourism Organization, as well as Dr. Jovan Popescu, President of IIPT Serbia, unveiled a commemorative plaque, after which they planted three trees as symbols of peace.

We expect that the next IIPT Peace Parks in Serbia will be announced during October and November.

An Interview with One of Our Chapter Presidents

Diana McIntyre-Pike, the energetic president of our Caribbean chapter, was recently interviewed, spreading the good word about the strengths of community tourism.

News from Australia

Gail Parsonage, president of IIPT’s Australian chapter, sends word of Sandra Vardanega, an Executive Committee Member with IIPT Australia, who has accomplished a Masters in Responsible Tourism Management (with Distinction) from Leeds Beckett University, UK.

We join Gail in extending huge congratulations to her for her great effort. Sandra was previously with Flight Centre Travel Group as their Responsible Tourism Manager.

IIPT Australia also joined a welcome function for World Skål President Denise Scranton.

Yet another event in Australia was the ICSOA Interfaith Conference on Building Peace through Shared Humanity, organized by ICSOA and held at Parliament House, New South Wales, in September 2025. Taking part were Rev Dr Patrick McInerney, Director of the Columban Centre for Christian Muslim Relations; Gail Parsonage, President, IIPT Australia; and Abbas Raza Alvi, President, Indian Crescent Society of Australia.

A Farewell Tribute to Our Dear Friend, Nikki Rose

Recently, I was saddened to hear about the passing of a dear friend of mine and of IIPT, Nikki Rose. Nikki was the loved and admired founder of “Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries”, which featured interactive educational programs on Culture, Nature, Sustainable Organic Agriculture, and Cuisine. Her educational seminars for academic institutions and serious enthusiasts of culture, nature and cuisine have received numerous awards for Best Practices from National Geographic, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN World Tourism Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development, and the World Travel and Tourism Council. She was an expert in her field.

Nikki founded Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries Educational Network in 1977 to support residents working on action programs to protect and share their heritage. She was a Greek American journalist, seminar director, and professional chef. She has been a consultant on similar initiatives around the world.

Nikki is the author of “Crete: The Roots of the Mediterranean Diet”; Contributing Author, The Routledge Handbook of Sustainable Food and Gastronomy; Destination Stewardship Center; Slow Food; and many other publications. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Archeological Institute of America Magazine, National Public Radio, The New York Times, Lonely Planet, Food Tank, The Guardian (UK), TV New Zealand, Australian Gourmet, Traveler, and O Globo (Brazil).

Nikki has made presentations at the United Nations, New York; International Institute for Peace through Tourism Conferences; the Embassy of Greece, Washington DC; ECOCLUB; Terroir Talk; the National Hellenic Museum; and more. She has also been interviewed extensively about her award-winning initiatives in Crete by Food Tank, Archeological Institute of America Magazine, National Public Radio, ECOCLUB, the International Ecotourism Society, Greek Reporter, and many other outlets.

Nikki was in the final stages of production for a documentary which showcases over four thousand years of Crete’s fascinating history, natural beauty, biodiversity, toxicology, resilience, agroecology, music, young organic farmers, healthy cuisine, and hope.

The IIPT family will always remember Nikki for her insights and wisdom and for opening the doors to Kellari Greek Restaurant in New York, where the passing of the baton of leadership from Lou D’Amore to Ajay Prakash took place. Nikki was good friends with the owner and, in coordinating arrangements with our Chairman, Timothy Marshall, she noted that “The food is fantastic, and the staff are lovely people. I wish I could be there with you”.

Nikki was hopeful of joining Timothy Marshall, Andreas Larentzakis, Gail Parsonage and Jovan Popescu for meetings in Greece following the dedication of the IIPT Global Peace Park in Turkey. However, she was unable to make it because of the recent passing of her sister. One of the topics to be explored was the potential establishment of an IIPT Chapter in Greece.

For Those Following Marie Richardson’s Journey

Marie reached her 10th and final Canadian province in St. John’s, Newfoundland, on 7 September 2025. Marie is the 7th person in the USA to be documented for completion at the half marathon distance.

To get in touch with Marie to congratulate her or ask her about her journey: Marie C. Richardson, mcrichy@gmail.com

Interesting Tidbits

Global Tourism Forum, Brussels

Reza Soltani informs us that a Global Tourism Forum will be held in Brussels, Belgium, on October 20–21 with over 100 speakers from 70 countries. The theme is “Redefining Tourism in a Changing World.”

Making Travel Easier

Some companies are dropping fees for solo travellers.

Peace Studies

For the latest news and events from the Kroc School of Peace Studies:

And Finally

As I bring the September/October edition of the IIPT newsletter to a close, I once again extend my invitation to you to bring forward information you have about events that would benefit our knowing about, as well as news of activities in your area, and ideas for future newsletters.

Let’s continue each day of the year in the spirit of World Peace Day, as we contribute our unique strengths to that end.

Bea Broda
Editor, IIPT Newsletter
beabroda@gmail.com