KARACHI:
Like many tourism revenue-earning countries, Pakistan has fascinating mountainous regions, deserts, coastal lines, etc that attract tourists from all over the world. The tourism industry can help boost economic activity, diversify cultural traditions and assets, contribute to local infrastructure development, and improve the well-being of people.
A recent World Economic Forum report revealed that Pakistan has moved up six places on the International Travel and Tourism Development Index. This development seems low considering Pakistan’s immense potential as a tourist destination. The country has an abundance of heritage and cultural sites and monuments, which should be protected and maintained to attract local and foreign tourists. The main factor impeding international and domestic tourism is the provincial government’s failure to facilitate local communities and promote tourism within regions. They have failed to allocate sufficient resources and appoint individuals to supervise the tourism industry in provinces. Political instability, the resurgence of terrorism, and economic meltdown have further hampered the tourism sector. Other factors include a lack of cohesive tourism policies, visa complexities, and infrastructural inadequacies.
The tourism sector has the potential to open avenues for economic prosperity and create employment as well as support local businesses. The government should devise effective strategies to uplift the tourism sector by reducing visa complexities and restrictions to allow more tourists. Provincial government and district authorities should be provided with sufficient funds for the maintenance and upkeep of tourist areas. Tourist sites should be equipped with proper facilities and infrastructure.
Shehryar Kandhro
Larkana
Published in The Express Tribune, March 23rd, 2023.
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