Tourism Sector Has Literally Crumbled
Disaster after disaster equals no tourism ministry for Pakistan
PAKISTAN (eTN) - Pakistan is a country that is facing its worst conditions ever regarding its tourism industry. First, it was the great tragedy of 9/11 that dented the tourism industry, and then in 2005, a horrific earthquake collapsed the total tourism infrastructure in Kaghan valley, and this was followed by the Taliban capturing the beautiful Swat Valley.
These disasters were followed by year 2010 bringing the floods that wreaked havoc with the entire tourism sector. Now, there is no tourism ministry left in Pakistan, and no tourism ministry means no tourism department and no tourism minister.
Such a situation is amazing, and the country's people look to the government of Pakistan, which has no respect for tourism, although Pakistan had been a paradise for tourists, said a former consultant for the Ministry of Tourism, Agha Iqrar Haroon, who had also been working as President of the Ecotourism Society Pakistan (ESP). This former ESP President has demanded the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to look into the affairs and ask the government of Pakistan who could look after the tourism industry in the country now that the federal Ministry of Tourism has been abolished.
It should be mentioned that the federal Ministry of Tourism was abolished under the constitutional requirement that ensures transfer of the tourism ministry to the provinces. However ,lack of interest by the government, coupled with interprovincial departmental problems and no parallel system ,has ended the restart of the tourism sector before it has even had a chance to begin.
There have been provincial tourism ministries in Pakistan for the last 2 decades, but these ministries cannot register or look after the tourism industry, because such powers were placed only with the federal Ministry of Tourism government of Pakistan. The publicity and promotion of the country was also a responsibility of the federal ministry. No federal ministry has indicated that there would be any desire or demand to promote Pakistan as a country on the global map of tourism.
Comments
Comments
PAKISTAN HOTELS ASSOCIATION: June 27, 2011
Pakistan has lot of potential for tourism throughout the year and domestic tourism needs to be encouraged, which will ultimately increase the international tourists in the country. Following the devolution of federal ministry of tourism, more confusion would evolve as giving the entire function of international promotion and publicity of tourism to the Embassies abroad would not be productive. The soul responsibility of tourism infrastructure development, maintenance of sites and promotion of tourism in the country is now the responsibility of provinces, but allocation of budget to provinces is not clear yet. Hence we strongly suggest formation of Federal Tourism Board based on private public partnership comprising all stake holders of Tourism Industry to look after promotion of tourism in the country as well as to represent on international levels at all events, i.e. World Tourism Day etc. as suggested in the UNWTOP/UNDP master plan prepared for the development of tourism sector in Pakistan.
The decision of Government to abolish Federal Ministry of Tourism is some
what not understandable notably under the present conditions where
government intervention is almost unavoidable to restore the image of
Pakistan in the eyes of outside world. Almost every where in the world the
significance of Tourism activity has been realized and is always considered
worthy of serious business for the Governments to boost the local economy
particularly the countries, which are suffering with large un-employments.
Tourism industry not only generates employment, but also is a source of
substantial foreign exchange for the country, The countries where Tourism
is being supported by the Government policies has also witnessed to receive
foreign direct investment in the tourism sector and related small industry.
The development of national tourism is a great responsibility which requires
united efforts from both private & public sector, with the blessing of
diverse cultures, traditions and histories, coupled with various landscapes
and natural resources, Pakistan has a strong appeal for both domestic and
international tourists. Tourism industry, therefore, should be of great
importance to the Government of Pakistan with the realization that Tourism
cannot be promoted without Government involvement, as the concerned
government authorities are always responsible of system and regulations
development, studies & statistics, security requirements, facilitating
licensing and classification procedure, training programs and credit support
to the industry from the financial institutions.
In view of above it is suggested that joint efforts to be made at all forums
to constitute an effective Tourism Authority in the Government at Provincial
level as well as preferably at Federal level.
Fouzia Azhar
Secretary General
Pakistan Hotels Association
The decision of Government to abolish Federal Ministry of Tourism is some what not understandable notably under the present conditions where government intervention is almost unavoidable to restore the image of Pakistan in the eyes of outside world. Almost every where in the world the significance of Tourism activity has been realized and is always consider worthy of serious business for the Governments to boost the local economy particularly the countries which are suffering with large unemployment’s. Tourism industry not only generate employment but also is a source of substantial foreign exchange for the country, The countries where Tourism is being supported by the Government policies has also witnessed to receive foreign direct investment in the tourism sector and related small industry.
The development of national tourism is a great responsibility which requires united efforts from both private & public sector, with the blessing of diverse cultures, traditions and histories, coupled with various landscapes and natural resources. Pakistan has a strong appeal for both domestic and international tourists. Tourism industry, therefore, should of great importance to the Government of Pakistan with the realization that Tourism cannot be promoted without Government involvement, as the concerned government authorities are always responsible of system and regulations development, studies & statistics, security requirements, facilitating licensing and classification procedure, training programs and credit support to the industry from the financial institutions.
May the Almighty God give wisdom to our leaders to realize this disaster to take immediate remedies to save the crumble tourism industry in Pakistan
As mentioned in the artical Tourism has badly affected by th Natuaral calamities but after 18th amendment the Present Govt. is winding up the only Federal Govt. Department for Tourism, which is PTDC. PTDC has done alot to promote tourism in the Country and abroad. But in the current situation PTDC has no future, it means that touris industry has no future in Pakistan. Becuase the provinces are promoting tourism locally but there will be no represetation internationally.
Pakistan has many crises------ Corrupt bureaucracy, stupid politicians and most corrupt nation.
Tourism could provide jobs to people in Swat Valley. But nothing was done for tourism and Swat valley became hub for taliban who provided jobs to young people and give them guns to kill people.
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