Tourism is a sector that does not require significant investment but can contribute significantly to a country’s economy. Most countries have natural and historical resources that can be utilized by the tourism sector for growth and development. Natural resources like mountains, rivers, and beautiful landscapes, and historical resources like ancient mosques, forts, and buildings, can be promoted to attract tourists and benefit the economy.
The promotion of the tourism sector plays a crucial role in strengthening a country’s economy, as seen in many prosperous countries whose economies run solely on tourism. Pakistan, blessed with natural resources like beautiful mountains, vast fields, charming beaches, deserts, and forests, and historical resources like ancient forts, mosques, and buildings, has enormous potential for growth and development in the tourism sector.
Low-cost facilities, such as security for foreign tourists, can greatly promote tourism in Pakistan.
Moreover, Pakistan has traces of the world’s oldest civilizations, including Gandhara, Mohenjo-Daro, and Harappa, which attract tourists from all over the world. If the government had paid more attention to the tourism sector, Pakistan could have become the largest tourist country in the world.
To fully utilize the resources available in the country, all historical and tourist sites need to be renovated and made more tourist-friendly. District governments should prepare lists of such places and plan how they can be made more interesting for tourists. Facilities should be provided to tourists in the northern and coastal regions, including affordable transportation, international quality accommodation and food, paved roads, and quality footpaths where roads cannot be built. Ensuring the safety of foreign tourists is also essential.
If the government had paid attention to the tourism sector, perhaps Pakistan would have been the largest tourist country in the world.
Investing in the tourism sector can create numerous employment opportunities and improve the standard of living for people. Therefore, the government should pay special attention to this sector and utilize all available resources for its development. Despite the negligence of previous rulers, it is never too late to start working on the tourism sector and benefit from the bounty of nature.