Federal government is preparing a new strategy to promote private sector investment in creation of tourist facilities and financial autonomy will be given to the public sector tourism agencies.
According to sources of Planning Commission and Ministry of Culture, public sector investment in the development of infrastructure facilities will be made part of overall national development effort. While the ongoing projects will be completed as part of federal PSDP, the development requirements for new projects will be met from privatisation of existing motels (already started).
Presently, Pakistan ranks very low in terms of world tourism income. Out of global tourism income of $514 billion, the share of South Asia is $5.4 billion (Pakistan's share is only $135 million, ie 0.03 per cent of global and 2.5 per cent of South Asian share.
Out of the total tourist arrivals in the world estimated at 694 million per year, Pakistan receives only 0.5 million tourists annually, which is a very low figure. Even among South Asian countries, the tourist arrival in Pakistan is very low.
The sacred religious places, which spread throughout the country, make Pakistan an attractive place for a variety of people and religions. The tourism assets of Pakistan include a coastal zone spreading over one thousand kilometres along the Arabian Sea offering long term development potential for beach resorts, diversified natural deserts in the south and beautiful hill stations and valleys in the north. It has also great potential for tourism sports like mountaineering and trekking.
The relics of the Indus and Gandhara civilisations and the great architectural heritage across the whole country are exceptional cultural assets of Pakistan. There are also great adventure zones with the high mountains located in the north of the country, where four of the world's largest ranges meet.
According to official sources, government wants to enhance tourism activities, increase tourist arrivals, and make tourism an instrument for generating employment, alleviating poverty, and increasing foreign exchange earnings.
To promote affordable, accessible and enjoyable domestic tourism and cultural and sports festivals; tourism of the religious sites and old civilisations; and foreign tourism linked to regional tourism particularly among Saarc and ECO countries and to enhance co-ordination between public and private sectors and upgrade resources to ensure desired standards of quality service, sources added.