Future Tourism Policy in Pakistan: Hope and Inspiration for Gilgit-Baltistan

By Sharif Khan

It is encouraging that Prime Minister of Pakistan made it possible to visit Gilgit-Baltistan on November 7, 2024.

The inaugural ceremonies of different projects gives hope to the people of GB to minimise the severe issues such as the electricity crisis in GB. Gilgit Baltistan is a hub of tourism and the hospitality industry is the only hope of rays to boost the economic growth in the region.

The future of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan is promising, with the government and stakeholders collaborating to address the industry's challenges. The new tourism policy aims to enhance and ensure sustainability in Pakistan's tourism industry, focusing on creating new experiences and attractions, improving infrastructure, and promoting cultural heritage.

It is lured that the present government is supposed to frame new Tourism and hospitality policy in Pakistan under dynamic leadership of Mr. Aftab Rana who is heading as Managing Director (MD) of PTDC, who is an experienced individual with well-versed institutional approaches.

Apricot Tree during Autumn
 

In order to address potential tourists' concerns, the policy must prioritize safety and security measures, 

- Tourist information centers

- Public toilets

- Physically fit air and land transportation with trained professionals

- Availability of restrooms at various touristic points

Additionally, the policy should respect cultural heritage and develop a conducive and friendly environment and infrastructure that support local and foreign tourists.

Furthermore, the policy needs to create new experiences and attractions with welcoming and respectful manners, unique features, and affordable options for travelers. It is also suggested to frame a code of conduct and guidelines that integrate the legal status of tour operators/companies, tour guides and other stakeholders.

In addition, emergency rescue plans and alternative arrangements need to be incorporated with easy access and proper desks in hospitals to meet emergencies, including options for air ambulances and fully equipped sophisticated medical ambulances particularly in the remote mountainous regions.

Moreover, traveling itineraries require time management, including day-long travel by foot or via car, trekking long distances and necessary facilities for high-altitude mountain routes with proper signboards.

Furthermore, visa facilities upon arrival of foreign tourists should also be incorporated in the new policy. 

Community participation and involvement components are vital to look after the area in terms of biodiversity and contingency management.

The following points are highlighted for future recommendations:

- Safety and Security: Prioritize safety and security measures for tourists, including tourist information centers, public toilets, physically fit transportation, and availability of restrooms.

- Cultural Heritage: Respect and promote cultural heritage, and develop a conducive and friendly environment and infrastructure that support local and foreign tourists.

- New Experiences: Create new experiences and attractions with welcoming and respectful manners, unique features, and affordable options for travelers.

- Code of Conduct: Frame code of conduct and guidelines that integrate the legal status of tour operators/companies and tour guides and other stakeholders.

- Emergency Rescue Plans: Incorporate emergency rescue plans and alternative arrangements with easy access and proper desks in hospitals to meet emergencies, particularly in mountainous regions.

- Widening of roads and upgradation of Gilgit Airport for smooth and safe air traveling.

- Conducting trainings, seminars and conferences, Provision of soft loans to the entrepreneurs and small business people who provide facilities to the tourist influx areas.

- Similar to other foreign languages; Chinese (Mandarin) language needs to be incorporated in our educational curriculum or establishment of Chinese language institutions to manage the rising influx of Chinese tourists who frequently visit GB-Pakistan for various CPEC projects and business opportunities.

The optimist points mentioned above may be included and implemented in the new policy, it will help in boosting Pakistan's soft image globally and promote sustainable tourism practices in Gilgit-Baltistan.



Comments

  1. Zuhaib KhanNovember 8, 2024 at 12:45 AM

    Really Appreciated. The concerned authorities must take the considerations serious.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Muhammad RiazNovember 11, 2024 at 11:12 PM

    "Future Tourism Policy in Pakistan: Hope and Inspiration for Gilgit-Baltistan" by Sharif Khan provides a comprehensive outlook on the region's potential and the steps needed to boost tourism effectively. It is refreshing to see the focus on sustainability, cultural heritage, and infrastructure development, all of which are crucial for transforming Gilgit-Baltistan into a premier tourism destination.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousDecember 8, 2024 at 6:04 AM

    Well said

    ReplyDelete

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