TOURISM IN PAKISTAN ‘22 TOURISM INDUSTRY: In Pakistan, tourism is a growing industry The country is geographically and ethnically diverse and has a number of historical and cultural heritage sites. Since, Pakistan is rich in diverse cultures, civilizations, and traditions, with beautiful landscapes, heavenly sights, and historical places; it holds a great tourism potential, which regrettably remained elusive. As security in the country improves, tourism increases; in two years, it has increased by more than 300% Challenges in Promoting Tourism 1. There are many opportunities available in Pakistan that can boost tourism in Pakistan but at the same time, there are many challenges that cause hindrances in the promotion of the tourism industry. 1. These challenges include : 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Terrorism Poor Connectivity Infrastructure Government Negligence to Tourist Places Social Challenges Negative Role of Pakistani Media ROLE OF GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE TOURISM Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Chairman National Tourism Coordination Board (NTCB), Zulfi Bukhari announced earlier this month that the government will launch a project named ‘Brand Pakistan’ later this year to take Pakistan tourism to new heights. Pakistan is increasingly becoming Peaceful As earlier we have highlighted how terrorism and security issues in Pakistan have negatively impacted tourism, today it is a well-acknowledged fact that Pakistan is largely becoming a peaceful and safe place for all and sundry (thanks to the security forces of Pakistan). Government’s will to Revive Tourism in Pakistan: The Prime Minister of Pakistan has many times talked at length about the potential of tourism in Pakistan. The government is determined to take every step to promote tourism in Pakistan; for example, easing visa policies for tourists, facilitating them in the country, provision of guidelines and security to them during traveling, etc. are all well-cherished steps by the present government. Power of Social Media: The role played by social media in the promotion of tourism in Pakistan is unparalleled. Today, people are more active in highlighting attractive, beautiful sites in Pakistan on various social media platforms. A number of blogs, vlogs, and tourism groups are very active today in projecting a positive image of Pakistan globally and promoting tourism in Pakistan CPEC: Enhanced Connectivity : The enhanced connectivity in Pakistan due to rail and road projects will bring the remote areas of Pakistan into the mainstream. Access to different tourist destinations will become easier. Moreover, the spread of internet services under CPEC projects will further help in bringing the unexplored and undiscovered beauty of Pakistan into the limelight. The Introduction of E-governance : Since the present government of Pakistan has introduced e-governance i.e. ‘Pakistan Citizen Portal’; it will be helpful in reporting the potential social problems and mismanagements across the country. As told earlier about economic exploitation, such cases can be reported to the authorities with just one click. CONCLUSION : To conclude, tourism in Pakistan is getting a fast revival which will not only help Pakistan in generating revenues but also be helpful in adding to the country’s soft power. Pakistan has a great potential to compete with the world’s top tourist destinations with its unmatched beauty and diversity in its people, culture, and traditions.