Foreign exchange: Tourism bags $790m in three years

Pakistan’s stunning Himalayan peaks and magnificent valleys with historical places and forts are the main attractions

ISLAMABAD: The government has earned around $790 million foreign exchange through foreign tourists who visited Pakistan during the last three years, according to Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation. It is a good sign for the tourism industry that a large number of foreigners are visiting Pakistan and spending money, said an official of PTDC on Tuesday. The break-up shows that the number of travelers is gradually increasing as Pakistan earned $243 million in 2008, $240.6 million in 2009 and $305 million in 2010. Pakistan’s stunning Himalayan peaks and various magnificent valleys along with historical places and forts are the main attractions for tourists, official added. He said authorities are aware of the potential of the tourism industry and PTDC has formulated plans to improve infrastructure, communication, accommodation and security further.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th,  2011.