Engaging local communities termed necessary

Political stability, peace bringing tourists back to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: It is necessary to involve the local communities for the development of tourism in any particular area, said Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Honorary Coordinator, Aftabur Rehman Rana.

The local communities need to be hospitable towards outsiders to attract visitors, said Rana who is also president of the Sustainable Tourism Foundation.



Tourism interests can be created by highlighting regional development and culture.

He said that along the CPEC route, there are number of opportunities for investment in every tourism sector from Khunjerab to Gwadar. The authorities need to invest in new dimensions of entertainment like tourism satellite channels, air and rail safari and such.

He highly praised that tourism subject is also being introduced as curriculum in the national universities, adding that such initiative would increase the confidence of the world to Pakistan and foreign tourists will be encouraged to come to Pakistan.

"The need is to create awareness about tourist places," he said.



Aftab Rana said development of tourism will not only increases domestic income but will also help in highlighting the positive image of Pakistan at the international level.

Due to the political stability and peace restoration, trade has increased and the increase in investment in tourism sector is also expected.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2018.