A three-day programme on raising awareness of the importance of mountains organised by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has concluded with a purposeful hike on Trail 5 of Margalla Hills, Islamabad.
PTDC had collaborated with the Alpine Club of Pakistan, Riphah International University, Pakistan Sports Board, Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan, Pakistan Association of Tour Operators and Islamabad Wildlife Management Board to arrange the event.
The aim of the programme was to spread awareness about the importance of mountains in human existence and to highlight the potential and restrictions in mountain development.
An inaugural event was held in the President House, followed by a conference on ‘Sustainable Mountain Tourism’, based on the theme of International Mountain Day. The programme then concluded with a field event titled ‘Eco-Hike on Trail 5 Margalla Hills, Islamabad’.
At the President House, awards were presented to mountaineers and persons with valuable contribution in the field of sustainable mountain tourism under the categories of Climate Change, Sustainable Tourism and Mountaineering and Adventure Sports.
Meanwhile, the ‘Sustainable Mountain Tourism’ conference held at the Pearl Continental Hotel-Rawalpindi consisted of three sessions. The topics were ‘Climate Change and its Impact on Mountain Environment’, ‘Sustainable Mountain Tourism in Pakistan’ and ‘Adventure Tourism in the Mountain Areas of Pakistan’, in which guest speakers conveyed their expert opinions.
The conference was graced by Gilgit Baltistan Tourism Minister Raja Nasir Ali Khan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Secretary Mansoor Dar.
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PTDC Managing Director (MD) Aftabur Rehman Rana highlighted the potential of mountain tourism and the current government's efforts to develop tourism for the socio-economic development of Pakistan's mountain areas.
He also stated that the government is trying to provide an enabling climate for the private sector to invest in establishing high-quality tourist facilities in Pakistan.
The MD also emphasised the need to promote environmental responsible tourism in the mountains in order to protect the natural ecology of the country’s mountain areas.
Focusing on environment-friendly, responsible and pollution-free tourism in the mountains of Pakistan, the president of Alpine Club of Pakistan remarked that it is the nation’s collective as well as individual responsibility to create awareness among the public about the hazardous impact of pollution on tourism.
Chief Guest Raja Nasir Ali Khan said that mountain tourism is the foundation of the local economy, offering jobs and business opportunities.
“By partnering with development organisations, civil society, and the commercial sector to lead tourism on a more sustainable path with mountain people, we can create a force to combat poverty in mountainous areas,” he said. “As our nation is ideal for explorers since it has some of the world's highest mountain peaks and a diversified topography that responds to the needs of all types of tourists.”
The minister added, “Officials must be decisive in their judgments, construct appropriate infrastructure, and address the health and security concerns of potential mountaineers, climbers, hikers, and visitors in order for Pakistan to gain from adventure tourism.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 14th, 2021.
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