In a new move to expand the tourism sector of the country, the incumbent government is planning to launch a new e-portal for tourists in Pakistan. This will be used by international as well local tourists as a one-window opportunity where all tourists can get their issues resolved and look into the best time for planning their trips. This is especially a welcomed move for international tourists as they’ll get a chance to plan their visits to Pakistan and get the most of their trip. Let’s find out more about this new soon-to-be-launched e-portal for tourists.
E-Portal For Tourists In Pakistan
This e-portal for tourists in Pakistan is being developed by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) which has recently introduced a number of reforms to the country’s tourism sector.
This new e-portal combines the two elements of the incumbent government’s policy; digitizing the economy and expanding the tourism sector. This intersection of sectors is bound to highlight Pakistan as a country where people will find it easy to travel, research before planning their trip, and get a chance to understand up close what they’re in for.
What The PTDC Has Been Doing For Pakistan’s Tourism Sector
Apart from this, a number of new initiatives are being launched by the PTDC under its National Tourism Strategy, 2020-2030. The first plan announced under this is the e-visa system for over 90 countries and visa on arrival for 50 countries which has been introduced for the first time in the country. This has been done in collaboration with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and their Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system which allows foreigners to get their visa within 2-3 working days. All details are available on the NADRA website. Also, check out Belarus offers visas on arrival for visiting Pakistanis.
Additionally, the PTDC has also taken notice of encroachment activities in northern areas of Pakistan and thus introduced regularization measures in the Kaghan Valley. Moreover, the PTDC is always working to facilitate tourists and has been supporting and enabling the construction of smaller motels in the country. Along with the e-portal for tourists in Pakistan, the PTDC has also prepared the Draft National Minimum Standards for the Tourism and Hospitality sector which will enable the establishment of safety and operational protocols so all the work is streamlined.
Apart from the 10 year strategy, a five year plan has also been introduced for the promotion of tourism whereas all initiatives are being taken forward through the Pakistan Tourism Development Endowment Fund which has a seed funding of PKR 1 billion to revamp the country’s tourism sector.
With these measures, the PTDC has moved from being a policy operator to becoming a leading policy maker for tourism in the country. Also, check out what this body is doing for the promotion of bilateral tourism with China. The incumbent Prime Minister Imran Khan believes that tourism with China can be given a significant boost under CPEC as the same economic corridor can be used as a tourism route. As CPEC progresses, this is how the Pakistan-China relationship will benefit the country.
It is expected that with numerous changes to the tourism landscape of the country, the 5A’s of tourism or sustainable tourism in Pakistan might actually become a reality.
Tourism Initiatives In Pakistan
Pakistan has recently introduced a number of tourism initiatives which have given the country the formalization boost that is necessary for the expansion of the sector.
As Pakistan houses one of the region’s most sacred and historical religious sites, recently, the PTDC arranged the Gandhara Festival which aims to attract Buddhist monks and their followers to visit the historical sites in the northern part of the country. The festival also laid bare the plans of the PTDC for the soon-to-be inaugurated Gandhara Trail which will be launched from Taxila, Swabi, Peshawar, Khyber, Mardan and end at Swat. The government expects delegations of monks to come in from Thailand, Korea, Sri Lanka, India, China, and even the US. This will greatly enhance Pakistan’s position in the region as a hub for religious tourism. In addition, under Al Beruni Radius, heritage tourism in Pakistan has been further strengthened. If you liked this blog, please don’t forget to read our detailed piece on the most famous Hindu Temples and Jain Temples in Pakistan.
Apart from this, Balakot City which was a tourist hub prior to the devastating earthquake of 2005 is in the works of being revamped and redeveloped. To ease travel, a network of recently launched motorways and highways, allows passengers to access all the areas easily. These include:
You can find more details about Pakistan’s tourism sector on our blogs, and if you know of any tourist destinations, write to us at blog@zameen.com. For the latest updates, keep checking Pakistan’s largest property blog, Zameen Blog.
