KARACHI:
Prime Minister Imran Khan rightly pointed out that tourism will change the fate of Pakistan because it carries enormous potential. It can boost the economy and offer employment opportunities to people in different sectors. However, our tourism industry faces many challenges that hinder tourism promotion in the country.
Inadequate infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges. Dangerous roads and lack of railway tracks and airports discourage tourists from visiting many parts of the country. Despite scenic routes, poor road conditions pose a threat to those travelling, which is why people avoid going to many places. In addition, most tourist destinations lack basic amenities in the areas such as mobile and WiFi networks. Limited hotel accommodation and restaurants have also had a negative impact on tourism. Fewer hotels with proper services and facilities have prevented tourists from travelling to different areas. Also, hawkers and hotels often charge exorbitant rates for products and services making things unaffordable for tourists. There should be regulatory checks on them to ensure standardised pricing.
In the last few decades, some tourist sites in Pakistan have gained notoriety. This is due to poor security and incidences of terrorist activity in the areas. The government has not made a conscious effort to eliminate the terrorist threat in the area and ensure the safety and security of tourists. It has not effectively promoted tourism in the country, which is evident through the low budget allocated to the tourism industry every year. The government needs to pay attention to the infrastructure as well as introduce tourist friendly visas and policies. Considering that security situations have improved in the country, the government needs to utilise this as an opportunity to alleviate the negative image of Pakistan with regard to tourism and promote tourism in the country.
Mujeeb-ur-Rahman
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, September 16th, 2021.
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