With the theme of 'Responding to the Challenge of Climate Change' World Tourism Day is being observed here, like elsewhere in the world, on Saturday with a pledge to boost country's image abroad as a safe destination for tourists. In world-wide ranking of tourism industry, Pakistan captures a unique position with its lofty mountains, serene valleys, rivers, glaciers, vast deserts and coastal areas. It has everything to offer to those who love nature.
In the wake of recent terrorist attacks, Pakistan is facing manifold challenges to attract the foreign tourists. Due to activities of extremists in Swat, even local tourists are finding it difficulty to enjoy the rich natural environment, experts said.
During the period from January to July this year (2008), 491,469 foreign tourists visited Pakistan as against 508,400 in the same period last year. Due to the arrival of foreign tourists, foreign exchange of 131.5 million dollar was earned as against 143.6 million dollar fetched during the corresponding last year, sources said.
Foreign tourists had a lot of attraction in Pakistan, the only thing we need is to improve the law and order situation, they said, adding that the government needs to encourage the private sector to develop a tourism-friendly environment in the country to increase Pakistan's financial stability.
It may be mentioned that the Government has allocated Rs 18.865 million in Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2008-09 for four ongoing projects of Ministry of Tourism. According to PSDP document, Rs 8.750 million were given for Bus Terminal at Nankana Sahib, Rs 7 million for Aiwan-e-Sayahat, Rs 2.298 million for Development of Web-site for Tourism Industry and 0.817 million to Update Tourism Research Publication.
Sources in PTDC said that Pakistan had great tourism potential because of its rich scenic views of mountains, plateaus and deserts. "Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) had already set up 27 motels and 3 restaurants in the country," the sources added.
The sources said that Ghandara heritage in Pakistan is now part of world heritage. Taxila was a source of Mahayana School of Buddhism and was ruled by many kings and invaders like Alexander the Great, Raja Ambi, Chandra Gupta Morya, Bindusara, Kunala, Kushana, Ashoka etc. Ghandara trail was a part of the silk route and many Buddhist pilgrims from different countries such as China, Vietnam, Japan etc, used to visit these sites on this historical route.