What Benefits Does Tourism Offer Pakistan?

Pakistan has been crowned as its number one destination for tourism in 2021, thanks to its diverse topography and cultures. The country is home to four main types of tourism: archaeology and historical tourism, ecotourism, adventure tourism, and religious tourism. However, due to political indifference and neglect, much of the potential has been hamstrung by terrorism and a lack of facilities.

In 2019, around 28,000 foreigners visited Pakistan on tourism visas, compared to 1.2 million tourist arrivals in Nepal and nearly 11 million in India. Safety perceptions dating back to the 9/11 attacks have also impacted tourism. Pakistan is the least competitive country in the world when it comes to travel and tourism, with the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) composed of four sub-categories.

One of the most notable benefits of tourism in Pakistan is its ability to promote cultural exchange and understanding. Visitors to the country can increase the economy’s income, create thousands of jobs, develop the country’s infrastructure, and create a sense of cultural exchange. The travel and tourism sector’s total contribution to Pakistan’s GDP was 5.9% in 2022 and 4.2 million jobs, which is sub-optimal.

The tourism sector in Pakistan has tremendous potential, linked to some of the tallest mountains, lakes, and natural sceneries in the region. It is culturally diverse, geographically diverse, and historically rich, all contributing to the region’s vast tourist potential. Tourism is poised to become a major contributor to Pakistan’s economic development, creating jobs, generating foreign exchange, and building capacity.

What is an advantage of tourism?

Tourism presents a significant opportunity for sustainable development, creating jobs, strengthening local economies, contributing to infrastructure development, conserving natural environments and cultural assets, and reducing poverty and inequality. However, the industry is vulnerable to crises, with decisions on travel largely influenced by personal perceptions of the destination. Security is a key factor, with tourists relying on travel warnings from foreign ministries.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global tourism, putting up to 100 million jobs at risk. Despite this, tourism generally recovers more quickly than other industries. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) supports partner countries in developing the tourism sector to become resilient to crises and provide income and employment opportunities. The private sector is an essential partner in transitioning to economically and environmentally sustainable tourism.

What is tourism like in Pakistan?

Pakistan’s tourism industry is rapidly growing, with the country being ranked as the “next big thing” by Lonely Planet in 2010. The country is geographically and ethnically diverse, with numerous historical and cultural heritage sites. Condé Nast Traveller ranked Pakistan as the Best Holiday Destination for 2020 and as the third-highest potential adventure destination in the world for 2020. As security in the country improves, tourism has increased by over 300% in two years.

In 2018, the British Backpacker Society ranked Pakistan as the world’s top adventure travel destination, describing it as “one of the friendliest countries on earth, with mountain scenery that is beyond anyone’s wildest imagination”. Forbes ranked Pakistan as one of the “coolest places” to visit in 2019. The World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report placed Pakistan in the top 25% of global destinations for its World Heritage Sites.

The direct contribution of travel and tourism to Pakistan’s GDP in 2015 was US$328. 3 million, constituting 2. 8 of the total GDP. By 2025, the government predicts tourism will contribute Rs. 1 trillion (US$3. 5 billion) to the Pakistani economy.

Is Pakistan good for tourists?

Pakistan offers a diverse range of tourist attractions, including the Karakoram in the north, beaches and deserts in the south, and friendly, welcoming people who provide numerous cultural experiences.

What are two advantages of tourism to Pakistan?

The study examines the relationship between CPEC road and transportation developments and local support for tourist growth in Pakistan. It highlights the importance of tourism in promoting Pakistan’s diverse cultural assets and historical places, thereby boosting preservation efforts. The surge of tourists to areas like Mohenjo-Daro, Taxila, and Lahore Fort highlights the need to preserve these sites. Tourism revenue can be reinvested in conservation programs to ensure their preservation for centuries.

Tourist-attracting events and festivals, such as the Shandur Polo Festival, attract foreign tourists while revitalizing local culture and customs. This cultural exchange promotes a better understanding and appreciation of Pakistan’s rich history. However, security concerns have traditionally prompted tourists to avoid visiting Pakistan, despite recent improvements in security. The 2008 Islamabad Marriott Hotel attack and other incidents have left a poor perception of risk.

What are the disadvantages of tourism in Pakistan?

Pakistan, an agricultural country, has a potential tourism industry that could be a game changer for the state. The country has numerous cultural, traditional, spiritual, and entertainment places that offer potential profits. However, weak policy and decision-making in this field have led to issues such as revenue loss due to tourist activities and a soft image of the country among foreign countries. To improve the Pakistan tourism industry, an effective and well-thought-out process can be devised.

This report discusses the three basic rules of reforming any sector: thinking ahead, thinking again, and thinking across. It proposes and evaluates policy alternatives based on equity, efficiency, welfare, security, liberty, legal feasibility, and implementation, which could help in the development of the Pakistan tourism industry.

The study reveals that Pakistan has the potential to earn revenues and reputation through tourism, but little attention is given to its promotion. Poor tourism policy creates many problems for local and foreign tourists, such as fear of being robbed, inadequate transportation facilities, downfall of electricity, gas or telephone signals at many tourist resorts, and road blockages in winters. However, the walled city of Lahore has seen people come to visit due to effective communication and marketing campaigns run by the walled city department.

The study highlights several causes behind the inefficient system of Pakistan’s tourism industry, including non-exploration of new areas, lack of professionals with significant knowledge and skills, lack of educational institutions offering courses or degrees in tourism, insufficient planning in the transportation sector, monopolies of locals, abundant trips to northern areas of Pakistan, inefficient and ineffective use of funds and resources, lack of strict check and balance to ensure the implementation of tourism policy, and the conventional mentality of locals that tourism will bring an end to traditional values and bring in modernity.

Policy actors that could influence the policy process include government, resort owners, transport operators, local residents of tourist spots, travel agents/tour operators, attraction suppliers providing tourism related accessories and products to the tourists, trade and industry associations, food and drinks suppliers, political party in charge, bureaucrats, media, tourists, foreign aid givers, NGOs, law enforcement agencies, travel guides, and terrorists.

The study proposes significant policy alternatives for the development of Pakistan’s tourism industry, including regular updates in the policy, tax relief, creating awareness and marketing tourism, exposure to tourism in academics, continuous training of the related professionals/authorities, better and safe infrastructure, and no action analysis. However, there are trade-offs between different alternatives.

Effectiveness was found to be the most important criteria for assessing a policy about tourism. Better and safe infrastructure was found to be the best policy option, followed by introducing chapters related to tourism in the syllabus and regularly updating the existing tourism policy. Tax rebate on tourism-related equipment and training the officials were also important alternatives that would lead to an increase in overall effectiveness.

The study suggests that marketing and promoting countrywide tourism are less time-consuming strategies and can produce results in a very short time. However, these actions may act like a fad or a come-and-go trend, as if promotions discontinue or become obsolete, they will no longer produce desired results. To ensure continuous results, an effective marketing strategy should be implemented, with a monitoring and evaluation framework used to evaluate the impacts of promotions, percentage change in tourist traffic, and tourists’ engagement.

Improving infrastructure and securing it by law enforcement agencies is considered the most important long-term action plan for Pakistan’s tourism policy. Immediate and special emphasis should be given to improving infrastructure related to tourism places in Pakistan. Authorities need to train existing officials who lack the required amount of training to ensure the industry’s success.

In conclusion, redefining and updating the existing tourism policy is in the best interest of the nation, leading to increased revenues and economic stability. A proper system of monitoring and evaluation of implemented policies is also necessary to determine their success or failure.

What are the advantages of tourism to Pakistan?

The study examines the relationship between CPEC road and transportation developments and local support for tourist growth in Pakistan. It highlights the importance of tourism in promoting Pakistan’s diverse cultural assets and historical places, thereby boosting preservation efforts. The surge of tourists to areas like Mohenjo-Daro, Taxila, and Lahore Fort highlights the need to preserve these sites. Tourism revenue can be reinvested in conservation programs to ensure their preservation for centuries.

Tourist-attracting events and festivals, such as the Shandur Polo Festival, attract foreign tourists while revitalizing local culture and customs. This cultural exchange promotes a better understanding and appreciation of Pakistan’s rich history. However, security concerns have traditionally prompted tourists to avoid visiting Pakistan, despite recent improvements in security. The 2008 Islamabad Marriott Hotel attack and other incidents have left a poor perception of risk.

Why is Pakistan famous for tourism?

Pakistan is a rich country with a diverse range of tourist destinations, including one of the oldest civilizations, scenic beauty, world’s highest mountains, religious and historic sites, unique arts and crafts, and a rich culture and heritage. The British Backpacker Society ranked Pakistan as the world’s top adventure travel destination in 2018, describing it as “one of the friendliest countries on earth, with mountain scenery that is beyond anyone’s wildest imagination”.

Pakistan is home to numerous UNESCO world heritage sites, including Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro, Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi, Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol, Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore, and Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta, Rohtas Fort, and Taxila.

Pakistan’s tourism potential is renowned as “The Best Kept Secret of Asia”. Activities such as trekking, mountaineering, white water rafting, mountain and desert jeep safaris, camel and yak safaris, trout fishing, and bird watching attract adventure and nature lovers. The country is also rich in flora and fauna, with ten of 18 mammalian orders represented and species ranging from the Mediterranean Pigmy Shrew to the largest mammal ever known, the blue whale.

The Tourism and Hospitality sector in Pakistan is not clearly mapped due to its non-federal status. However, the industry generates revenues from various sectors, including tourism, hospitality, and hospitality.

What are 5 positive effects of tourism?

Tourism has a significant impact on a destination’s economy, generating revenue, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth. Tourists spend on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and entertainment, generating income for local businesses and residents. Tourism can also create jobs in areas struggling economically, such as hospitality, tour guides, souvenir vendors, and tour operators. Infrastructure development, such as roads and airports, can stimulate further job creation.

Additionally, tourism preserves cultural heritage, promotes cultural exchange, and provides opportunities for education and personal growth. By fostering understanding and respect for different cultures, tourism promotes peace and harmony.

What is the rank of Pakistan in tourism?

Pakistan has risen to 83rd position in the international travel and tourism competitive index “Rebuilding for a Sustainable and Resilient Future”, up from 89th place in the previous 2019 edition.

What are the advantages of tourism industry in Pakistan?

The study examines the relationship between CPEC road and transportation developments and local support for tourist growth in Pakistan. It highlights the importance of tourism in promoting Pakistan’s diverse cultural assets and historical places, thereby boosting preservation efforts. The surge of tourists to areas like Mohenjo-Daro, Taxila, and Lahore Fort highlights the need to preserve these sites. Tourism revenue can be reinvested in conservation programs to ensure their preservation for centuries.

Tourist-attracting events and festivals, such as the Shandur Polo Festival, attract foreign tourists while revitalizing local culture and customs. This cultural exchange promotes a better understanding and appreciation of Pakistan’s rich history. However, security concerns have traditionally prompted tourists to avoid visiting Pakistan, despite recent improvements in security. The 2008 Islamabad Marriott Hotel attack and other incidents have left a poor perception of risk.

Is Pakistan No 1 tourist destination?

Pakistan has been ranked as the “best performing destination” in terms of tourism during the first nine months of 2023, according to the World Tourism Barometer. The country experienced a 92% recovery to pre-pandemic levels, with a 115 per cent surge in foreign tourist arrivals compared to the previous year. This robust comeback post-Covid is reflected in the country’s recovery reaching 115 per cent and projections of international receipts reaching $1. 3 billion by the end of the year. Pakistan’s tourism development corporation, Managing Director Aftab Rana, emphasized the country’s potential on the global stage.