'Tourism can help earn millions of dollars'

The tourism sector, if developed on modern lines, can help the country to earn millions of dollars foreign exchange.
This was stated by Imran Nadeem, Advisor on Health and leader of the six-member parliamentary delegation of Northern Areas Legislative Council, currently visiting Punjab, in an exclusive interview with APP here on Sunday.
He said that the main purpose of the visit is to create awareness among the business community and investors about the vast potential of tourism sector, especially in the scenic Northern Areas of Pakistan.
If properly developed and promoted, the northern areas could be rated among the world's best tourist spots, he added.
He said that although rich in natural beauty, these areas have been neglected in terms of availability of basic amenities, education and health.
"We the people of Northern Areas and members of the legislative council have now decided to tour all provinces to motivate and persuade local and foreign investors to invest in the tourism sector," he observed.
Nadeem said that tourism is the main source of foreign exchange in several countries like Switzerland, Sri Lanka, India etc "It has now emerged as a $6 billion industry world-wide, and we must develop this sector to attract local and foreign tourists," he added.
In response to the incentives' package offered by the Pakistan government, he said, some foreign multinationals have shown interest in the vast investment opportunities existing in the largely neglected Northern Areas.
The country could earn billions of dollars every year from tourism, he asserted.
The delegation called on Punjab Governor who assured all possible co-operation.
The delegation would also meet the Chief Minister and Tourism Minister of Punjab soon to discuss ways and means to promote tourism on modern lines.
Members of the delegation include Deputy Speaker Mohammad Jaffer, Advisor on Local Government and Transport, Engineer Mohammad Ismail, Agha Mohammad Abbas, Ghulam Ali Haidery and Wazir Hussain, member of the legislative council.