Faiza Tehseen

The tourism sector is playing a vital role in the global economy. It is important for Pakistan to improve this segment, providing better hospitality, connectivity, and other related facilities to both local and foreign tourists, Mukhtar Ali, Manager of Tourist Facilitation Centres of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), told WealthPK. To make this sector more productive, the PTDC is going to inaugurate new features in near future and their implementation will develop the tourism sector on a more quality and profit-oriented basis, he said. The PTDC initiated two things in 2022 – the tourist strategy for two years and tourism action plan. Soon after the inauguration, the detailed policy will be made public, he added. Talking about the new additions, he said in the new work plans, more emphasis is dedicated to the investment opportunities for infrastructure development, and improving the quality of services as per the international standards. Minimum tourism standards are also introduced and are mandatory for all related stakeholders to follow, he said.

According to these standards, the services providing center, hotel, restaurant, etc must have seamless communication, connectivity, access, smart tracking, handy medical aid, ease for handicaps, quick clearance to lodging, mobility, and complete home-like lodging facilities. All these features in the pre-described plans are drafted with the understanding and coordination of stakeholders. Many Asian countries are earning a handsome foreign exchange through their tourism industry. Pakistan has a rich historic heritage, beautiful landmarks, ancient history, religious monuments, culture, and traditions.  All these features are an attraction for tourists. Well-aligned hospitality, security, and quality standards will make all these segments worth-seeing. By overcoming the shadowed aspects in the tourism sector, Pakistan can get an incredible tourist flow, added Mukhtar Ali. The travel and tourism segment in Pakistan is projected to grow to US$3.5 billion at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.7% by the year 2025. There is a dire need to improve the tourism sector as a mature qualitative wealth generation engine. The provincial and federal governments and other private stakeholders should prioritize this industry and allocate resources to it, as it can enhance the socio-economic well-being of the country.

Credit: INP-WealthPk