RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: President of Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) Mian Zahid Hussain has said that Pakistan can make its presence felt in the $8 trillion global tourism trade as it is blessed with everything to become a major tourism destination.

“Pakistan is blessed with everything needed to boost tourism industry but its share in global tourism industry remains dismal,” he said, adding that Pakistan is home to stunning Himalayan peaks, magnificent valleys, Arabian Sea, deserts, Indus valley, ancient Buddha civilisation carved in its mountains and historic forts. He said that with all this, it is supposed to be one of the world’s greatest tourist destinations for which the attention of the policymakers is required.

Mian Zahid urged that government should consider establishing a federal tourism development board and frame a new tourism policy matching the ground realities.

“Issues such as the image of the country, law and order problem, development of tourism infrastructure and visa related matters should also be considered with the consultation of Pakistan Hotels Association to attract tourists,” he proposed.

PBIF president said that economic corridor is to boost tourism creating jobs and pushing up the GDP for which needed steps should be taken. He said that Pakistani, Chinese and businessmen of other countries have already begun establishing hotels and guest houses but a shortage of five and four-star hotels can be felt.

“The travel, tourism and hospitality business may bring $12 billion to Pakistan which has been projected to jump to $18 billion by 2026, according to an estimate,” he said, adding that travelling has been estimated to bring $2 billion which will see a significant rise if problems of the industry are resolved.