Pakistan Tourism Industry

BY: M.Hashim Sarmad

M.Areeb
Tourism
• Tourism is the process of spending time away from home in pursuit of recreation,
relaxation, and pleasure while using commercial services such as hotels and
restaurants.
• 1940-70s- Independence of Pakistan and Start of Tourism International Tourism.
• 1970s-1980s-Flourishing of Travelling Industry in Pakistan.
• 1980s-1990s-Jihad and Tourism
• 1990s-2000s-Tourism Industry Growing Again.
• 9/11 incident, Pakistan faced terror and militant problems from 2001 in border linked
tribal areas.
• In 2007 Benazir assassination and the escalation of terrorism over another five years
had a significant impact on tourism trade in the country plagued with terrorist incidents.
Impact of Tourism on Pakistan Economy

• Pakistan is expected to become a popular tourist destination in the coming years and

ultimately its tourism sector will play a major role in its economic growth.

• According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the direct contribution of travel and

tourism to Pakistan’s GDP in 2016 was $7.6 billion (Rs793 billion), constituting 2.7% of

GDP.

• By 2025, the government expects that tourism will contribute $9.5 billion (Rs1 trillion) to

the economy.

• Tourism sector will offer approximately 2,008,000 jobs directly. 

• Online Visa for Residents of 175 Countries

• KPK Tourism Revamp

• Pakistan Tourism Summit 2019 

• Increased Interest of Foreign Airlines

• End to NOC
Tourism in Pakistan
• Religious: Many mosques and Islamic tombs exist across the country. Some of the
famous ones are: Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
• Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor, to have access to one of
their holiest places in Pakistan without any territorial impediments.
• Pakistan is an especially important site for both Sikh and Buddhist tourists.
• Nankana Sahib with the potential to attract as many pilgrims as the Golden Temple in
Amritsar.
• 6,000 Indian Sikhs visit Pakistan
• Historical: Mohenjodaro, a settlement dating back 5,000 years, exist in the Sindh
region of Pakistan.
• The two excavated sites near Taxila i.e. Jaulian and Sirkap, date back to the Buddhist
Gandhara period.
• Cultural: The northern parts of Pakistan have many old fortresses, towers and other
architecture.
Steps for Promoting Tourism In
Pakistan
• Pakistan ranked 124th in South Asia
• Current initiative taken by government
• Repatriate more than 3,000 historical artifacts by KPK government
• Mobile application for promoting tourism
 Information based on hotels and restaurants, fuel stations and roads; it will be a guiding tool for
tourists. 

• Punjab Tourism for Economic Growth Project

• Pakistan is promoting religious sites that are highly attractive for Buddhist and Sikh
tourists
 UK Sikhs to invest 500 million pound in Pakistan for religious tourism,

• Government announced to grant e-visa facility to 175 countries

• In order to remain competitive Pakistan has to improve tourist services
Conclusion

• The role of Government is not sufficient to boost this under-rated industry

• Campaigns like “Tour Pakistan & Witness the Serenity Yourself”
• Coordination of tourism organization with the government
• Govt. should declare this industry tax free
• Environmental laws should be implemented
Thank you