Travel and Tourism in Pakistan

Travel and tourism is a flourishing industry in Pakistan which contributes to various sectors of the economy such as food industry, transportation (air, road and marine), tour agencies, cultural events, recreational activities and trade. Many countries like Switzerland, Singapore, Turkey, Philippines, Maldives and Thailand have recognized sustainable tourism as an important developmental tool. Pakistan heavily invested in the travel and tourism industry and successfully leveraged it to emerge as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Famous publications such as Forbes and Condé Nast Traveller have lauded Pakistan as a top destination for 2020, citing its bewitching natural beauty, cultural richness and unparalleled hospitality offered to the tourists. The top destinations in Pakistan are Gilgit-Baltistan, Swat, Balochistan, KPK. Pakistan introduces on-arrival visa policy for the tourists. Tourists must apply to  ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for a visa. ETA is the same as visa yet the procedure is fast paced. With ancient civilizations, religious sites, monuments that are still alive and singing battle tales, serene valleys with snow-capped peaks and frozen lakes, beautiful shores,  and lush green forests, there are four types of tourism in Pakistan.

Archaeology and historical tourism Ecotourism Adventure Tourism Religious Tourism

Even though tourism in Pakistan is on the rise, there are still several factors impeding the industry’s growth. Pakistan ticks all the boxes required to create a self-sustaining tourism industry, with an expanding workforce and a culture known for its hospitality. However, tourism in Pakistan was never fully prioritised at both the federal and provincial levels, despite the fact that it benefits tremendously. Several existing potential challenges must be overcome before the sector can fully realise the benefits of this rewarding yet complex industry. One of the most pressing issues confronting Pakistan’s tourism industry is a lack of basic facilities such as airports, roads and railway transportation, lodging in restaurants, hotels and motels, as well as local tour guides and agencies. These are all necessary components for improving tourism infrastructure, which is underdeveloped as a result of a policy that does not aim to change the sector’s image. Pakistan is endowed with numerous religious sites, particularly Buddhism, Sikhism and Christianity. Dharmarajika Stupa and Monastery (300 BC – 200 AD), Bhir Mound (600-200 BC), Sirkap (200 BC – 600 AD), Jandial Temple (c.250 BC), and Julian Monastery are among the most well-known Buddhist sites in Pakistan (200 – 600 AD). The Sikh religion has some of the most renowned and sacred religious sites in Pakistan. The most important is tomb of Baba Guru Nanak, the Sikh religion’s founder. In addition, Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Narowal, Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal and Gurdwara Rori Sahib in Eminabad, Gujranwala are among most well-known Gurudwaras. St. Andrew Church and Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore, Holy Trinity Cathedral in Karachi, St. Mary Cathedral and Bishop’s House in Multan, are among the most popular tourist attractions. Despite its diversity and allure, Pakistan has never fully explored and developed sustainable tourism. The only way to overcome this obstacle is to entice the private sector to participate in tourism development projects. There is currently no policy to encourage private sector investment in the tourism industry. But still the private sector contributes efficiently in the tourism industry. These are a few significant areas highlighted above that can be improved in order to turn the tourism of Pakistan into a revenue generating industry and competitive contender in the world. Adventure Planners is one of the best trip and tour planners in Pakistan. We provide affordable packages for groups as well as family tours. Plan a tour anywhere in Pakistan with full confidence and trust.