Pakistan’s Tourism Industry is Growing very Fast
Worldwide tourism is one of the billion-dollar industry, which has often played a major role in the development of developing countries. There are many countries, including Nepal, which depend entirely on the tourism industry. The volume of the tourism industry globally and its importance can only be estimated by the fact that different countries alone make billions of dollars each year from this industry.
Yes, billions of dollars – but how unfortunate that Europe, on the one hand, doesn’t even have a special place in South Asia in terms of tourist arrivals and tourist arrivals. Pakistan dominates not only South Asia but also many countries in the developed world. But past governments have never bothered to take advantage of it. We are missing out on the billions of dollars we could have got from this important industry because of the lack of awareness of Pakistan’s great tourist destinations in the industry through irrelevance and aggressive marketing.
Pakistan was a well-known country for tourism in the 1970s. At that time, visitors from many western countries came to Pakistan, who travelled to Nepal and India via the Swat Valley and Kashmir Valley. However, the industry has been badly affected by instability and terrorism incidents in the country.
Portugal has declared Pakistan a safe country for tourism. Similarly, France has also created travel instructions for Pakistan. At the end of 2018, the world-renowned journal Forbes Magazine proposed to international tourists to Pakistan. Forbes Magazine wrote that tourists should visit Hunza, Shigral and relatives via the Karakoram Highway. These locations are located in the Gilgit-Baltistan area of Pakistan, which is popular with tourists around the world.
In terms of tourism, 2019 began with good news. Already on the twenty-sixth of the month, a meeting of provincial ministers of Bihar was held in Islamabad, chaired by Inter-Provincial Relations Minister Dr Fahmida Mirza. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan is deeply invested in improving Pakistan’s identity and promoting tourism abroad. In the course of the promotion of tourism in the country, especially cooperation with Turkey. Discussed with regard to enlargement.
Talking to journalists in Islamabad the same day, he pointed to the relaxation of visa requirements for citizens of nine countries, including the United States and Europe. Fahmida Mirzaka said that the government will provide all possible protection to the visiting tourists. Citizens of 175 countries will be able to obtain online visas electronically and citizens of 50 countries will be able to visit Pakistan without applying at any Pakistani embassy. Upon arrival at any airport, you will be able to get a visa. He said that the list of countries included the United States.
On March 26, the federal cabinet approved a new civil aviation policy to promote the aviation and aviation industry in the country. Journalists about decisions made in the federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad. Giving the briefing, the then Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that the travel costs of tourist destinations in Pakistan will be reduced by increasing the facilities and incentives for the tourists. Will be discounted and air travel by local flights R will not be any tax waivers.
He said the cabinet also contemplated launching a helicopter and 40-seat aircraft for tourist destinations in the country and now foreigners will not need the NOC to travel anywhere in the country. Visa Policy has already been changed under the Prime Minister’s vision to promote tourism. Now visas are being provided to five countries, China, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Malaysia and the UK. Citizens of eighteen countries can get their visa and citizens of other countries will be provided with the visa facility.
In the last April, there was something to promote tourism, that is, the first Pakistan Tourism Summit was held. Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, said that Pakistan does not have a place in the world in terms of tourism and natural beauty. Pakistan’s gates are open to tourists, ensuring ease of access for them, including visa ease, social media plays a vital role in promoting the tourism sector.
The combination of mountain tourism, beach tourism, desert tourism, religious tourism in Pakistan will not be found anywhere else in the world. We have changed the visa system of Pakistan and terminated the NOC for foreign tourists. He said that the government and tourism task force will provide facilities to the tourists.
In July, news came out that the Sichuan University of China will hold a confession to raise awareness in Pakistan. Last September, a research report was released by Gallup Pakistan, which said that the country would be coming in five years. The number of tourists in the country has increased by 315%, with the highest percentage coming in Punjab, ie 95%. The report by Gallup Pakistan’s “Cultural Heritage and Visit to Museums” in Pakistan indicates that tourism can be a potential game-changer for the country’s economy.
According to the data from the above report, the number of tourists arriving at the cultural and cultural sites increased from 2014 and the number increased from 31 million to 31 million in 2018. Of these, 95% of the visitors came to Punjab, the largest province in the country. In the same year, the number of tourists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh continued to increase and decrease. Increased by almost 50% and increased from 17 million people in 2014 to 27 million in 2018.
Foreign tourist arrivals to cultural sites and museums in Pakistan have more than doubled. According to the report, the number of tourists visiting the museum in the five years increased by 130% and the percentage of foreign tours increased by 100%. This increase in the number of domestic tourists was seen in all four provinces. However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa topped the list, where museum visits increased by 250% in 2018.
According to the report, the Royal Fort of Lahore was the most popular cultural site of the tourists, after which Shalimar Garden was the most liked place in 2016 and 2018. The Lahore Museum was most popular among foreign tourists in 2016 and 2017.
Another good news came in September that the Prime Minister has set up a task force for the promotion of education. On September 30, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan to promote the sector in which the Prime Minister was headed for promotion of the sector. It was decided to set up a task force. It was also decided to include representatives of all provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan in this task force. In the meeting, the Prime Minister directed that all provinces should mark their respective places.
In the month of October also came good news in promotion of tourism. On the 9th of this month, the Minister of Education, Vocational Training and National Heritage in Ankara, Shafqat Mahmood met with the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Dr Kim. On this occasion, it was agreed to establish a Center of Excellence in the field of tourism and hospitality in Islamabad between Pakistan and Turkey.
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During the meeting, the two Ministers also held detailed discussions on exploring more opportunities to promote mutual cooperation in the fields of education, financial training, culture and tourism. And the proposed Center of Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism Management as part of its campus.
A leading Russian tourist arrived in Oleg Pakistan in the month of September. After staying in Pakistan for a month, the tourist who ended his trip to Karachi on October 20, has been living till now. He has travelled to forty countries, terming Pakistan the best country. He said that the people of Pakistan are very hospitable. He said that the people of Pakistan are very hospitable.
Prykhudko reached Pakistan via Khangarab via Oleg China and from there reached the Islamabad, enjoying the scenic scenery of the northern regions, Hunza, Chitral, Gilgit and Wadi Kailash, through which the railway travelled through Karachi. Photographing the countries it tours and presents it on its YouTube channel, which has more than one million subscribers. He said that the northern parts of Pakistan are among the most beautiful places in the world. The culture here is very colourful and interesting.
Prykhod said that he never felt insecure during his stay in Karachi. There is a difference between reality and the Sunnah. The negative things that have been spread about Pakistan around the world are false. The positive and real face of Pakistan will illuminate which will help to reduce the distance between Russia and Pakistan and more tourists will visit Pakistan.
According to him, obtaining visas for Pakistan was very difficult in the past, but the present government has simplified the process of obtaining visas and has no difficulty in obtaining visas. It is also learned that one-day electronic visa. Also can be obtained. Russian soldiers are keenly interested in the northern parts of Pakistan, but obtaining a visa remains a barrier. He hoped that on his channel, a large number of Russian tourists would visit Pakistan after learning about Pakistan’s sensitivities, improved security conditions and the easiest way to obtain a visa.
On November 7, the day was crucial for the restoration and development of the industry in the country. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan in connection with the promotion of tourism in the country. A special information was given by Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and senior officers of the area. The meeting was briefed on the steps taken to promote tourism in the country.
The Prime Minister was informed that the National Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 has been given for the first time in the country’s history. In addition, a National Tourism Action Plan 2020-2025 has been set up and a national calendar has been set up for various events to promote the site. PTDC reform process has been initiated, the new company website has been created and online booking system has been introduced. It is in the process of approving various tourism development projects. The meeting also discussed in detail various steps for promotion of tourism in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister said that there is a lot of tourism in Pakistan which needs to be taken into account. Promoting this sector will not only provide quality entertainment to the people living in Pakistan but people from all over the world. He said that this would also boost the tourism sector and create more job opportunities for the youth.
On the 17th of November, good news came from the Prime Minister’s Assistant Special Minister Zulfiqar Bukhari. The Italian Ambassador, who was posted in Pakistan this afternoon, had a special meeting with him and offered technical assistance to promote tourism in Pakistan. Following the meeting, Zulfi Bukhari said Italy was ready to increase tourism activities in the northern regions and the promotion of tourism would add $ 20 billion to the country’s economy.
The Italian ambassador on the occasion said that the present government is taking serious steps to promote tourism. Italy wants cooperation in tourism-related projects in Pakistan and will take further steps to strengthen bilateral relations. Zulfi Bukhari said that important and major decisions have been taken to promote tourism and the work of creating a brand Pakistan will be completed soon. The Kartarpur Corridor is an important link in promoting religious tourism in Pakistan. The Kartarpur initiative has brought a positive identity to Pakistan in the world.
The Prime Minister has called on the provinces to accelerate work in the field of security. The Gandhara civilization and cultural heritage is a fascination for foreign visitors. Visitors from countries like Korea, Japan and China will visit Pakistan. Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari said that Pakistan is making forty of its properties profitable after the restoration of Tourism Development Corporation. The leasing process of PTDC will begin soon.
But on November 28, the bad news came that Pakistan was ranked 121st in 140 countries according to the Competitive Index released by the World Economic Forum 2019. This news indicates that we have the infrastructure, security and security for tourism in the country. Much has to be done to improve the situation and provide the best services to visitors. According to this index, Spain is first, France second, Germany third, Japan fourth, United States fifth, UK sixth, Australia seventh, Italy eighth, Canadians and Switzerland ranked sixth.
India is ranked 34th best country for tourists in the index. For us, it is very sad that Pakistan is ranked 121st in the list of 129 countries. Finally, Nigeria, ranked 129th, has been declared the most important destination for tourists. It should be remembered that Prime Minister Imran Khan said at the inauguration of the online visa policy that Pakistan’s northern territories double with Switzerland. Similarly, on November 7, the meeting on the promotion of tourism, the first twelve-year National Tourism Strategy has been formulated in the country’s history and National Tourism Action Plan 2020 and 25 have also been compiled.
Tourism is becoming a major source of easy access to countless economic gainers with each passing day. In just a few decades, it has become one of the fastest-growing economic sectors in the world and tourists globally. The number of tourists was only around 25 million in 1950, but according to the data collected in 2015, the total number of tourists reached 1.2 billion. The global economy of the industry I have seven trillion, six billion dollars, which accounts for 10.2% of the world’s economy.
On the other hand, in 2016 alone, the industry created new employment opportunities for 20 million 92 million people, ie one in every ten jobs in the world in terms of job creation is the leading cause of this sector. Connecting to transport, communication services, such as mobile phone and Internet services, hotels, restaurants, guest houses, tourist souvenir shops, travel guides, tour operators’ businesses and countless sub-sectors. Economists expect the industry to continue to grow at an average rate of 3.3% by 2030.
According to the UNWTO, the volume of tourism business is also surpassing the oil, livestock and automotive industries. In 2017, about one billion 30 million people travelled to different countries around the world for tours. That figure was 6.88 per cent higher than in 2016. In terms of tourist arrivals in 2017, the top ten countries in the world included France, Spain, the United States, China, Italy, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Germany and Thailand, respectively.
Some European countries and the United States have always been the most attractive destinations for tourists, but for some time other countries have also been increasingly on the list and are gaining enormous economic benefits. Why not be included in the list? According to the World Tourism and Travel Council, economic growth in the sector is very low despite the best tourism opportunities in Pakistan.
The share of growth in our economy is just Rs 793 billion, that is, only two-tenth of the GDP, about eight billion dollars. If we look at this sector a little, it is not difficult for us to estimate how much the country’s economy can benefit in this regard.