Unveiling The Untouched Heaven On Earth

News Desk

Islamabad: The government is taking significant initiatives to increase foreign investment in the tourism industry as it intends to establish a mountaineering training institute in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), revealed Tourism Minister of State Wasi Shah.

Minister said that to secure coverage for a mountaineering trip, we have also planned a travel insurance policy with adventure sports coverage which will be available for mountain climbing.  Additionally, training schools and the insurance policy will protect the rights of mountaineers in the future, he added. Shah also announced the launch of a user-friendly ‘tourism app,’ designed to provide easy access to information about tourist destinations.

Shah said on Wednesday that our country has seen an increase in the number of foreign tourists during the last few years, and it is high time that we tap into this opportunity and provide them with updated facilities like theme parks. Theme park attraction industry will be an important hub for Pakistan’s tourism industry, he added. The private sector can assist the government in achieving its objectives for the tourism sector and we would be more than pleased to do so and greatly increase government revenue, further said Wasi Shah.

The tourism minister stated his commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s cultural history and natural beauty, adding that we would bring new ideas for sustainable tourism practices that will be considered in order to secure the long-term protection of these treasures.

Tourism as an industry in KP: Caretaker Chief Minister KP Muhammad Azam Khan said that t the provincial government is working under an integrated strategy to provide all facilities to domestic and foreign tourists as millions of domestic and foreign tourists come to KP. So far, more than 11 million domestic and foreign tourists have visited KP during the current calendar year to enjoy its natural beauty and hospitality, he added.

In a message in connection with World Tourism Day, the Chief Minister stated the natural beauty and cultural heritage of KP need to be effectively utilised for tourism. by promoting tourism, not only employment opportunities could be created, but strong foundations could also be laid for the national economy, Azam Khan added.The Day is being observed across the world including Pakistan to raise awareness about the importance of tourism and its promotion.

Proper infrastructure development, environmental protection measures, and responsible tourism practices are essential for realising the full potential of tourism as an industry in Pakistan, stated Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) Head of Department Dr Shakeel Sarwar.

IUB Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management organised a seminar on the ‘Role of Tourism in the Development of the Country’s Economy’. Steps have been taken to make Bahawalpur a center of winter tourism and on the occasion of the Jeep Rally, the Bahawalpur Trade Fair is organized every year near Derawar Fort with the support of the Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation Punjab, informed Dr Sarwar.

Pakistan’s untapped potential in tourism needs investment to take shape. However, it is important to manage tourism sustainability to minimise negative impacts on the environment, culture and local communities, added Dr Shakeel.  Additional input from APP