Multidimensional potential of tourism in Pakistan awaits global focus

 

London: Pakistan is a unique country with multidimensional potential for tourism. The landscape covers world’s eight highest mountains where three mountain ranges meet and ends in the Arabian Sea with virgin beaches awaiting tourists interested to see the splendours of nature. This was stated by the Minister for Tourism of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Province of Pakistan) Syed Aqil Shah, while briefing the officers and staff of the High Commission here on 15 ^th November, 2011. The Minister came to London to attend the World Travel Mart where a Pakistani stall was set up to introduce Pakistan as a tourists’ destination.

The Minister was of the view that promotion of tourism in Pakistan particularly in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would help check extremist trends which lead to militancy and terrorism. The development of tourism potentials he said would open up economic opportunities for the local population of different areas. It would also help overcome the problem of population migration. While elaborating the potentials of tourism in Pakistan the minister
mentioned that the rich cultural heritage of different provinces of Pakistan reflected the history of over five thousand years. The archaeological sites of Taxila, Harrapa and Moenjodaro have been recognised by the UNESCO as world heritage. Secondly the unique species of flora and fauna are a great attraction for the people from around the globe.

The prospects of tourism the Minister added were increasing with the passage of time and the government was determined to further develop these facilities. The tourism infrastructure was fast developing and it would help facilitate the local and overseas tourists. The cost of tourism he said in Pakistan was quite affordable for every class of tourists and catered for all needs of the tourists.
The High Commissioner while welcoming the minister and the delegation appreciated the efforts being made by the Tourism Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in promoting tourism of the country as well as the province. The archaeological and historical monuments of Pakistan he said belonged to the world and the global tourists could not be denied to visit these sites only because some extremist elements wanted to isolate the country from the international community. The world at large needed to come forward and help promote tourism in Pakistan, he added.

 

 

November 16, 2011

 

 

Last updated:16 November 2011