[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tourism is among one of the fast-growing industries in the world it accounts for approximately 10% of global GDP. Tourism is a great source of, job creation, foreign exchange earnings poverty reduction and income generation. It also promotes cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. According to the World Tourism Organization, trends in tourism have boosted a lot. Region-wise, Europe accounts for 50% of world tourism receipts followed by the Americas whose share is 26%. However, the share of South Asia in global tourism receipts is estimated to be only 1%.
Tourism, whether it is national (domestic) or international tourism, it brings innumerable benefits for any country. It stimulates the socio-cultural and economic sector of a country. In Pakistan, the trend of domestic tourism towards North Pakistan has increased exponentially during the last few years. People from all over Pakistan visit the picturesque northern areas of Pakistan. This is an extremely healthy sign for any country battling extremism and terrorism for decades now. This has brought harmony, coherence, culture exchange, the spirit of brotherhood and love among regions. According to recent estimates, in 2017 alone about 1.72 million tourists visited Gilgit-Baltistan. These numbers soared up to 2.5 million in 2018 and the forecasted numbers for the year 2019 are even better (estimated to be around 4 million people)
Tourism plays an extremely important role in the socio-economic development of any country. The tourism industry generates substantial economic benefits to both host countries and tourist’s home countries. A major benefit that developing countries gain out of promoting themselves as tourist destinations is that they earn valuable foreign exchange from visiting tourists. Many countries have base major parts of their economy on tourism e.g. Dubai, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brazil etc. experts say that without healthy tourism, no economy can flourish.
In order to put things in perspective let us look at some statistics; According to World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Travel & Tourism generated US$7.6 trillion (10% of global GDP) and 277 million jobs (1 in 11 jobs) to the global economy in 2014 – 9.8% of total World GDP. The contribution of total Travel and Tourism GDP to the wider economy is expected to rise from 9.8% in 2014 to 10.5% in 2025, and from 9.4% to 10.7%
Having said that, Pakistan is one country which has immense tourism potential but is yet to tap into it to its benefit. The reasons can be traced down to lack of political will, poor law and order situation, lack of infrastructure etc. However, now we bring you our own analysis of the top places that you must visit in Pakistan if you are a tourist at heart;
Top 5 tourist destinations in Pakistan
Pakistan has tremendous potential for tourism by virtue of its long rich history, cultural diversity, geo-strategic position and captivating landscapes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][mh_heading heading_style=”mh-heading–bottom-separator” heading_align=”mh-heading-wrapper–left” heading_font_weight=”700″ heading_size=”” heading_tag=”h2″ heading_color=”” heading_font_family=”” heading_subheading_color=”” heading_text=”1. Naltar valley” heading_subheading=”” heading_image_id=”” css=””][vc_column_text]Naltar Valley is popular for its colorful lakes. This valley is at a drive distance of 2.5 hours from Gilgit. This place is home for the cultivation of world’s most tasty potatoes. It is covered with pine trees. This valley is so beautiful that it seems to be out of the world. The scenery there is just mesmerizing and the hospitality of the people will make you fall in love with this place every time you visit it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4381″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][mh_heading heading_style=”mh-heading–bottom-separator” heading_align=”mh-heading-wrapper–left” heading_font_weight=”700″ heading_size=”” heading_tag=”h2″ heading_color=”” heading_font_family=”” heading_subheading_color=”” heading_text=”2. Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir” heading_subheading=”” heading_image_id=”” css=””][vc_column_text]Neelum Valley is also knows as blue gem of Pakistan. This valley is one of the most visited areas among northern areas of Pakistan. Neelum is the district of Azad Kashmir. It is situated almost 90km away from its Capital. Neelum is almost 180km away from Islamabad and it takes about 7 hours of drive to reach there by road. Neelum is one of the most beautiful valleys of Azaad Kashmir, and it host to several brooks, freshwater streams, forests, lush green mountains, and a gushing river. You should have a trip to Neelum valley at least one time in your life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4380″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][mh_heading heading_style=”mh-heading–bottom-separator” heading_align=”mh-heading-wrapper–left” heading_font_weight=”700″ heading_size=”” heading_tag=”h2″ heading_color=”” heading_font_family=”” heading_subheading_color=”” heading_text=”3. Shangrila resort, Skardu” heading_subheading=”” heading_image_id=”” css=””][vc_column_text]In the extreme north of Pakistan, Skardu the central valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, is an epitome of beauty, serenity and wilderness. After Jaglot on the Karakoram Highway, a narrow road turns towards Skardu. During the seven-hour journey, one is greeted with several streams, springs, and the hospitality of the local people. After crossing the old wooden bridge built over the River Indus, one reaches Shangrila, a paradise on earth for tourists. It is a famous tourist spot in Skardu, which is about 25 minutes away by drive. Restaurant in Shangrila rest house is highlight of this place, which is built in the structure of an aircraft.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4379″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][mh_heading heading_style=”mh-heading–bottom-separator” heading_align=”mh-heading-wrapper–left” heading_font_weight=”700″ heading_size=”” heading_tag=”h2″ heading_color=”” heading_font_family=”” heading_subheading_color=”” heading_text=”4. Ayun and Bamburet Valley” heading_subheading=”” heading_image_id=”” css=””][vc_column_text]Ayun district is a village of Chitral. Located 12 kilometers south of the city at the confluence of the River Bamburet. There are no words to describe the beauty of the mountains surrounding the village. Beyond Ayun valley is Bamburet Valley, it is one of the three Kalash valleys. Bamburet is nearly two-hour journey from Chitral. Locals trace their roots to Alexander the Great and Greece. Bamburet valley is a picturesque valley with lush greenery and mountains that give you a sense of calm and solitude.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4378″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][mh_heading heading_style=”mh-heading–bottom-separator” heading_align=”mh-heading-wrapper–left” heading_font_weight=”700″ heading_size=”” heading_tag=”h2″ heading_color=”” heading_font_family=”” heading_subheading_color=”” heading_text=”5. White Palace Swat” heading_subheading=”” heading_image_id=”” css=””][vc_column_text]White Palace Marghazar is the only breathtaking location in the Swat district that’s situated at a distance of around 12 kilometers from the city of Mingora. Not only do tourists visit Marghazar for its natural beauty and pleasant weather but also to visit the historic White Palace (built in 1941), built during the era of Swat state. After the White Palace was constructed on the directives of the founder of modern Swat state, Miangul Abdul Wadood also known as Badshah Sahab, Marghazar became the capital of Swat state during summer season. Even today, more than seven decades later, White Palace remains an attraction for tourists. The Palace doesn’t just look beautiful in summer; even during winter it remains enchanting especially after snowfall.
The future of tourism in Pakistan is quite blazing due to the geographical diversity of the country. Besides, the four provinces of the country coupled with the Gilgit Baltistan region and Azad Kashmir region have immense sceneries and places that many tourists would love to see. In Pakistan, people are generous in nature, their hospitality is renowned across the globe. Their welcoming attitude also attract a lot of foreigners to come and see the beauty of Pakistan.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4377″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
