Faiza Tehseen

The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) needs to develop a comprehensive tourism data bank, including tourist statistics and detailed virtual tours, to uplift the tourism sector, opined Rahat Karim Baig, Deputy Director of Tourism Department Baltistan Region, while talking to WealthPK. “A brief general information about the categorical tourist sites, transportation, amenities, and other facilities is available on the website of the PTDC’s newly introduced tourism brand ‘Salam Pakistan’. This extensive effort still needs the addition of more features like secure travelling facilities, travel planners, and visiting spots for families, especially for local and foreign tourists. Regular field visits by the PTDC officials of the areas frequently affected by landslides, avalanches or other weather changes, blocking roads and creating other hurdles are also necessary. This will help save the tourists from any calamity,” he said.

He said it was also important to introduce a proper business and investment plan to attract both local and foreign investors. Real-time tracking features will also add more value to the current position of tourists for a safe tour experience in Pakistan. Curation of existing and updated information recording for the tourism data bank is direly needed. Augmenting the nationwide updated tourist spot data bank with these additional features will underscore development in this sector worldwide, he added. Talking to WealthPK about a comprehensive tourism data bank generated by the PTDC, Managing Director Aftab ur Rahman Rana said, “The PTDC is committed to enriching the tourist information portals in both soft and hard forms to better serve the stakeholders and tourists alike. Though all the departments work within their domain, the PTDC has developed a good collaboration among them. They coordinate with the corporation for the provision of any necessary information whenever required.“

“The ‘Salam Pakistan.gov.pk’ presents quite a large database on the tourist destinations, cultural sites, archaeological sites, religious sites, and landscape sites. All other departments, like the archaeology department, coordinate with the PTDC and provide the required data, but this data does not mention some archaeological sites which are yet to be developed or are difficult to access or have any other difficulty in visiting. “On the other hand, most of the ancient ruins are located in some places, having a known history well described in scriptures, legends, or folk tales. It is also an intangible asset that is worthy of keeping. These types of mythical issues are valuable in attracting a good number of tourists across the globe. Their proper recording is not a usual practice in Pakistan, but we are now interested in making these types of records a regular part of our related tourist sites.” Aftab further said, “Although all the relevant departments coordinate with the PTDC to provide the necessary information, efforts continue to generate an independent data bank gradually.

The main reason is that some tourist spots, including the ancient ruins and shrines, are not well known but are frequently visited by tourists. These places keep a known history bestowed by generations, but these are yet to be recorded. “Sometimes, these places can be developed easily into tourist spots and prove a sustainable income source for the local communities. This is the reason that the PTDC, with the coordination of relevant provincial or federal departments, is interested in recording them to enhance the tourist experience,” said the PTDC managing director. He said the corporation will add more features to its existing data portals like the smart tracking systems and updated reports on tourist spots and visitor records.

Credit: INP-WealthPk