Pakistan: an embodiment of culture, fascinating valleys, mountains and of historical places. Government took initiatives to boost tourism.
Tourism Industry:
The tourism industry, also known as the travel industry, is associated with the idea of people travelling to other sites, either locally or internationally for leisure, social or business purposes. It is entirely connected to the hotel industry, the hospitality industry and the transport industry. Much of it is based around keeping tourists happy, occupied and equipped with the things they need during their time away from home.
It is one of the world’s largest industries. Economies of many countries are run by their tourists.
Tourism in Pakistan:
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia, a symbolic state on earth due to its Ideology, vision, fascinating cultural values, traditions, defense and specially due to it’s hearted people. This is a land of peace, colors, hospitality and of ancient monuments. Pakistan is a fascinating country. Home to 108 peaks above 7,000 meters, including K2, the south Asian country’s mountain scenery is stunning. From the lively cities like Islamabad and Lahore to the alluring valleys in the north, Pakistan is a perfect place for a unique getaway and various opportunities. Tourism Industry is flourishing in Pakistan.
Islamabad; Capital of Pakistan:
Islamabad is the Capital of Islamic Republic of Pakistan lies on the Potohar Plateau, one of the earliest sites of human settlements in Asia. Together with its twin city, Rawalpindi, it has a population of 4.5 million. The word Islamabad means ‘the city of Islam.’ It has a humid subtropical climate with five seasons. It is famous for its overall greenery, peace and cleanliness. The places worth seeing in this city include Lok Virsa Museum, Rawal Lake, Faisal Mosque, Pir Sohawa, Islamabad Zoo, Pakistan Museum of National History, the Centaurus Mall, etc.
Among the top 10 most beautiful capitals of world , Islamabad, was ranked as the second most beautiful capital http://Most beautiful capitals of the world – The News Internationalwww.thenews.com.pk
Islamabad (Capital of Pakistan)
WTTC Report:
According to the World Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 https://wttc.org released by the World Economic Forum, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to Pakistan’s GDP in 2015 was US$328.3 million, constituting 2.8% of the entire GDP. In line with the planet Travel and Tourism Council, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to Pakistan’s GDP in 2016 was US$7.6 billion (PKR 793.0 billion), constituting 2.7% of the entire GDP. By 2025, the govt predicts tourism will contribute ₨1 trillion (US$6.0 billion) to the Pakistani economy.
Primeval Pakistan:
There are numerous historical and ancient buildings in this colorful and peaceful land those attract the visitors from each and every corner of world. In this Islamic Republic of Pakistan If we talk about Karachi we see Empress Market, Frere Hall, KMC Building Karachi, Quaid-e-Azam House, Karachi Port Trust. Similarly, when we see Lahore Masjid Wazir Khan Lahore, Shalimar Bagh (Shalimar Gardens), Badshahi Masjid, Food Street, Museum. If we talk about South Punjab we see Uch Sharif, Noor Mahal Bahawalpur, Qila Derawar Bahawalpur, Ghanta ghar, Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-alam Multan.
Northern Areas IN Pakistan:
The Visitors from entire world love to visit northern areas of Pakistan. Government of Pakistan has lifted all the visitors hurdles for visitors from all around the globe. Therefore, for summer 2019, a huge number of wanderers from around the world are coming to travel the most friendliness and peaceful country, blessed with the heavenly landscape. During 2017 and 2018, British Backpackers society listed the country with the best travel destinations in the World. Also, Pakistan was listed in the list of best travel destinations to travel in 2019 by the Forbes Magazine. As it was the whole country listed for Best travel sites. Here we have some of the most beautiful places to visit in northern areas of Pakistan.
- Hunza Valley
- Naran Kaghan
- Kalam Swat
- Kalash Chitral
- Kachura Lakes Skardu
- Deosai National Park
- Ultar Meadows Hunza
- Shimshal Pass & Lake
- Taobut Neelum
- Chitta Katha Lake
- Fairy Meadows
- Rama Meadows
Pakistan Initiatives to Boost Tourism:
The Government of Pakistan is planning to roll out various initiatives in a bid to revitalize the tourism industry and project a positive image of Pakistan globally by using modern means of communication.
PTDC:
The PTDC, he said, has developed ‘Brand Pakistan’ with the help of international experts and would launch it soon to introduce the country as a tourism destination across the globe. Brand Pakistan has three main components which include brand identity development, musical score creation and an interactive e-portal, he added.
Govt. said that an exclusive e-portal would be launched to provide exposure to Pakistan’s tourist attractions through one click. “The portal will consist of a user-friendly interface through which tourists will be able get a view of Pakistan’s tourism sites through virtual galleries, videos and documentaries and avail the various available services.”
National Tourism Strategy:
The development of a National Tourism Strategy (2020-2030) is in the final stages which is meant to develop a harmonised framework for the tourism sector, after taking all the stakeholders on board. The strategy would focus on four key areas including good governance, tourism demand and supply, jobs creation and growth.
World Tourism Forum in Pakistan:
Pakistan is also preparing to host the ‘World Tourism Forum’ next year to showcase the country’s tourism potential, attract investment and build Pakistan into an international brand. “The participation of over 1,000 foreign visitors, including investors, companies, tourists and holiday makers is expected,” government said.
Highlighting steps taken by the government for the promotion of tourism in the last two years. He said that prior to Covid-19, the government undertook multiple initiatives at the policy level, formed authorities at the federal level to boost coordination among federating units and opened up the country by easing the visa process.
National Tourism Coordination Board:
He said the government constituted the National Tourism Coordination Board (NTCB) with representation from all the provinces and stakeholders. Nine working groups are working to assist the NTCB, with each group assigned a specific thematic area such as policy and regulatory reforms, eco tourism, culture and heritage tourism, religious tourism and others.
The board is responsible for coordination between federal, provincial and regional tourism organisations and departments and international tourism bodies for promoting the country’s tourism sector.
He said the government has relaxed its visa policy for boosting the influx of foreign tourists into the country.
The officer said that e-visa facility is being provided to over 170 countries, whereas visa on arrival to citizens of 50 countries is also being provided. So far around 120,000 international visitors have utilised these services to obtain a Pakistani visa, he added.
He said that the Tourism Development Endowment Fund with the seed money of Rs1 billion has been established after receiving concurrence from all the stakeholders.
The fund would be utilized to promote tourism potential of Pakistan. It would also aid the tourism industry in matters related to hospitality services, standards and certifications, research and analysis and centralizing the tourism database.
