Tourism has been among the hardest hit of all major economic sectors due to Covid-19. The statistics are phenomenal. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council more than 197 million jobs could be lost globally if barriers to global travel, such as blanket anti-travel advisories and quarantine measures, remain in place.
Meanwhile, IATA says that the ‘worst may be yet to come’, with between 6-7 million jobs supported by aviation are at risk.
Celebrating of The World Tourism Day is a wise and brave decision by UNWTO in these circumstances. This year, the Day’s theme, “Tourism and Rural Development” is very relevant to Pakistan’s tourism sector.
Over the past six decades, tourism has experienced continued expansion and diversification, and it has become one of the fastest growing and most important economic sectors in the world, benefiting destinations and communities worldwide. In Pakistan, the growth rate of tourism was derailed after Russian interference in Afghanistan, happening of 9/11 event and latestly war against terrorism. Now this industry is again growing in Pakistan.
Therefore, it is ripe opportunity to develop our rural tourism particularly to reduce Burdon on our ill planed urban areas. Pakistan’s rural areas have world’s best tourist destinations for all four seasons. Snow-capped mountains and scenic beauty of Swat, Hunza, Neelam Valley, Kalash Valley, Murree Hills, Narran, coastal areas of Baluchistan are regarded as earthly paradise. Coastal areas, mesmerizing deserts, archaeological and different religious places of Buddhism, Sikhism, Hinduism in addition of famous Muslim saints are marvelous tourist attractions scattered in different rural areas of Pakistan.
Similarly,Gilgit Baltistan is considered to be the capital of tourism in Pakistan. It has the range ofsome of the highest mountains in the world, including K2, which is the second highestmountain in the world.
However, it is observed that tourism has also resulted in creating adverse effect on the eco-system and biodiversity of the region due to the lack ofconsideration of the environmental issues. The federal and local governments are needed to encourage a participatory approach should be adopted where the local community should be taken in confidence at every step in the development of Eco-tourism as after all itis them who can make a move successful or otherwise.
Given the potential role of rural areas in the development of tourism, it isrecommended that tourism training institutes should be established. The instituteshould offer degree, diploma and certificate courses in Ecotourism Managementand planning, and hotel Management. Training of local mountaineers and trekkers.
As a sector behind as many as one in eleven jobs worldwide, tourism is a valuable source of livelihood for millions of people. Built around the millions of cross-cultural encounters happening every day in different corners of the world, tourism is also a gateway to greater understanding of the world beyond our borders, the first step in building peace betweenthe religions, communities and nations.
Tourism is more than just about reaching a destination – tourism has a global reach. Every time we travel, we become part of a global movement that has the power to drive positive change for our planet and all people.
Pakistan Tourismindustry has passed through a very difficult time. Now with the grace of God situation is very conducive to improve tourism in the country.The government is also giving top priority to tourism for that purpose recently there has been a fundamental shift in our tourism policy. The government has relaxed the visa policy.
Let me take this opportunity to appreciate and encourage Holiday weekly here also for doing great job for the promotion of tourism in Pakistan and for bringing out Special report o World Tourism Day 2020.
