Faiza Tehseen

Tourism in Pakistan can be promoted to a great extent through artificial intelligence (AI). It is vital to generate handsome revenue and make the tourism sector more sustainable, said Mukhtar Ali, Manager of the PTDC-owned Tourist Facilitation Centres, in an interview with WealthPK.

“Globally, smart technologies are driving every business sector. For example, if anyone is interested in knowing about any new development or any issue, or discovering new things across the globe, they usually use smart search engines, including Yahoo, Google, Microsoft Edge and many more, which give hundreds of options related to a query. So, we can say it is a strong medium to access the targeted communities and obtain or provide maximum information within seconds,” he said. Mukhtar said the PTDC’s efforts have already succeeded in promoting Pakistan’s tourist destinations to a global audience. Now, to add more value to the already existing struggles, the PTDC is on wheels to enhance its net through smart technologies and AI to better connect with targeted tourist groups. This includes those interested in adventure, eco, religious, and medical tourism. “Through AI-based information systems, tourists from home and abroad will get better information about destinations, facilities, and all other requirements necessary to make a trip more relaxing and fuller of enjoyment.

It will also ensure easy and quick access to tourists in case of any emergency. In short, AI will make the tourism industry in Pakistan more practical and sustainable and help increase employment and business opportunities to a large extent.” Managing Director of Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) Syed Fayaz Ali Shah told WealthPK, “By using AI, the tourism department in Pakistan will grow amazingly. The main reason is its vast access through various channels, including social media, print media, and mainstream outlets. The tourism department is working amazingly, but with the addition of AI-based technology, it will become too easy to promote tourist places in Pakistan. It is a workable platform to share ideas in a refined way and in a very short time. So, for all the provincial tourism departments, including the federal ones, it is necessary to introduce AI-based smart technologies to turn the tourism sector into a great profit-generating medium.”

He said the tour operators in Pakistan are working nicely, but now they also needed to work on modern lines and enhance their promotion net, which is only possible with the effective use of technology. Other than the tour operators, a lot of people related to the tourism sector are working as freelancers. They must use AI to reach tourists so that they may get good business and promote Pakistan as a good tourist destination. Tourism products can be better marketed through AI. In this way, the tourism sector will become sustainable and an active part of the country’s economic cycle. The STDC managing director further said, “AI is rapidly becoming a part of the modern lifestyle, trade, and business. Now, it is one of the best tools for successful business practices. Globally, AI-based marketing and business promotions are cutting the edge. The main reason is the huge database of AI software that enables it to compare the business strategies globally in a wink. So, it is important to adopt the modern technologies for a flourishing economy.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk