In this post
- Government’s Initiatives For Pakistan’s Tourism Sector In 2021
- Gilgit-Baltistan Integrated Development Plan For Pakistan Tourism
- Brand Pakistan & Discover Pakistan
- International Involvement In Pakistan’s Tourism
- Al-Beruni Radius
- China For Pakistan’s Tourism
- Pakistan’s Tourism Gets A Turkish Push
Prime Minister Imran Khan has launched several tourism initiatives that will drive up the contribution of the tourism sector to the GDP to around 10 percent.
Pakistan’s tourism sector has been making significant moves to expand the scope of activities, and also to generate employment in far-off areas. For this, the role of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation has been significant. A number of key initiatives such as infrastructural developments, reviving historic sites, development of motels have been undertaken to facilitate tourists for the upcoming tourism season which typically starts from May and lasts till September. Here’s the latest from the government’s side.
Government’s Initiatives For Pakistan’s Tourism Sector In 2021
As all provinces are rapidly developing their tourism policies, experts have now stressed the importance of developing a single cohesive tourism strategy, under the National Tourism Board, that will work for the benefit of the country. During a recent webinar, special assistant to Prime Minister Imran Khan on tourism, Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari, stressed the importance of a unified tourism strategy that will cater to the demands of the domestic market, as well as the needs of international tourists. Experts on the panel also reiterated the need for all provinces to not be operating in silos as this has been the primary reason for the underdevelopment of the country’s tourism sector. Bukhari also emphasised the need for simplified visa procedures, which will help put Pakistan on the global tourism map.
Moreover, during the last two years, Pakistan’s tourism sector has proven to be the biggest revenue and employment generator because of which the government is now looking to expand the contribution of the tourism sector to the Gross Domestic Product from 3% to 10%. The National Tourism Board will now lead the way to new reforms in this sector, and also for all the provinces to work jointly.
Gilgit-Baltistan Integrated Development Plan For Pakistan Tourism
Recently, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office revealed a mega-tourism project for Gilgit-Baltistan, the Gilgit-Baltistan Integrated Development Plan. This plan will primarily focus on the construction of road and power projects, infrastructure development, environmental protection, and of course, tourism. Gilgit-Baltistan is considered the top tourist destination in Pakistan and attracts hundreds of thousands of travellers and adventure seekers from all around the world, annually. International as well as local social media influencers, have produced vlogs that have gone viral over social media, and garnered a lot of international attention as well. This development project will further play a huge part in further promoting tourism in the area.
Brand Pakistan & Discover Pakistan
Moreover, the government is also planning to launch ‘Brand Pakistan’, an e-portal to inform tourists about the hotels’ ratings, weather, traffic and other information, towards the end of May. The initiative aims to promote the Pakistani tourism industry as a customized brand. On March 20, Pakistan also launched its first tourism-dedicated channel, Discover Pakistan which will have shows and news dedicated to the promotion of everything related to tourism in the South-Asian country.
The government has also announced the construction of 25 to 30 ‘five-star’ international standard hotels and motels will be made in the country so more people can easily come and explore the tourist destinations of Pakistan.
International Involvement In Pakistan’s Tourism
Prime Minister Imran Khan has recently announced and proposed the involvement of the private sector in Pakistan’s tourism sector. For this reason, new motels and hotels are being constructed in the country, along with an increased number of travel agents entering the market.
Al-Beruni Radius
In February, Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated Al-Beruni Radius, which is an initiative to revive and preserve heritage tourism in Pakistan for future generations. The occasion also marked the inauguration of the “Heritage Trail” at the ‘Al-Biruni’ point of Jhelum’s Nandana Qila. The trail will be a gateway to seven rich archeological sites of Nandana Fort & Temple, Shiva Temple of Katas Raj, Khewra Salt Mines, Malot Fort & Temples, and Takht-e-Babri.
China For Pakistan’s Tourism
A number of countries have shown interest in investing in Pakistan’s tourism sector. China tops the list as the investment under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been expanded to include the tourism sector under one of the key areas for investment.
Tajikistan, one of the Central Asian Republics to directly benefit from CPEC’s regional connectivity, has recently inked an agreement with Pakistan to cooperate in “trade, tourism, and people-to-people engagement”. This will provide a much-needed impetus to Pakistan’s tourism sector as it looks towards more private players to enter the market.
Pakistan’s Tourism Gets A Turkish Push
Recently, the Tourism Hotel Managers Association of Turkey (TUROYD) has also expressed interest in exploiting this opportunity for mutual benefit. TUROYD is an association that’s an amalgam of the tourism and hospitality industries. It consists of members of hotel and tour operators, and aims to establish a connection between different stakeholders for the promotion of Turkey’s tourism sector. It currently offers specialized services to 71 countries across the globe. Turkey’s interest towards Pakistan’s tourism sector means the sector will get an opportunity to be revamped, formalized, and centralized to cater to an even greater number of tourists.
As the tourist season approaches, the government is taking all measures necessary to prepare for it. If you’re going to plan a holiday this year, make sure to check out our pick of the best vacation spots you should visit in 2021. Also, don’t forget to read our comprehensive travel guides on the following tourist destinations in Pakistan:
- Ratti Gali Lake
- Pir Chinasi, Muzaffarabad
- Chinji National Park
- Pir Ibrahim Waterfall
- Charo Machi Waterfall
- Astola Island
- Soon Valley
- Pir Sohawa
- Kalash Valley
- Kallar Kahar
While you’re at it, make sure to read our blog on Pakistan’s tourism festivals.
Are you planning your holiday? What is your favourite holiday destination in Pakistan? Write to us at blog@zameen.com. Also, keep checking Pakistan’s largest property blog, Zameen Blog on all things Pakistan.
