The government needs to take concrete steps to promote the tourism business in Pakistan, especially in G-B.
GULMIT: Pakistan has been suffering from the war on terror and its consequences for a decade. This war has taken a huge toll on our tourism sector. The inflow of foreign tourists has witnessed a decline since the 9/11 attacks. Currently, the security situation does not allow even domestic tourists to visit tourist spots. The issue is of serious concern for tour operators and hotel owners. About 25 per cent of the total population of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) was directly or indirectly engaged in the tourism business but now, this is not the case due to terrorism in the country. The government needs to take concrete steps to promote the tourism business in Pakistan, especially in G-B. The tourism department, along with private tour operators, should discuss the issue at a platform to make tourist spots a safe haven for all. Here are a few ways for the promotion of tourism in G-B:
1) The government, as well as private organisations, needs to play a role in rehabilitating historical places so that a large number of tourists can be attracted due to the unique designs of the buildings.
2) Local festivals play a dynamic role in tourist attraction. Traditional festivals and rituals need to be promoted at the international level to represent the diverse beliefs of the people who live amongst us. Local festivals should be celebrated with the collaboration of government departments. Civil society, as well as the government, needs to preserve cultural norms.
3) The government needs to focus on private tour operators who can be sent abroad so that they can gain multicultural dimensions and introduce their culture to others as well.
4) The civil society also needs to play its role in building a peaceful society through advocacy and campaigns. Seminars and walks should be arranged through civil society organisations for building a peaceful environment for tourists.
5) The G-B Hotel Association should motivate hotel owners to grant special discounts and offers to tourists on their products and services upon regular visits. This will be helpful in enhancing domestic and foreign tourism.
6) National level private tour operators should have direct relations and contact with those working abroad. Information about cultural and social norms can be exchanged between countries. A network of tour operators can be helpful in disseminating information.
7) Young people should gain expertise in holding multilingual conversations. The government needs to arrange training programmes for the youth in order to promote the tourism business. Diplomas in different languages should be offered as this could help in promoting foreign tourism in the region. The government, local NGOs, people associated with the tourism business and civil society need to put in collective efforts and cooperation in order to enhance tourism in G-B.
Tariq Rahim Baig
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30th, 2015.
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