Pakistan’s tourism industry expects to flourish under new government

Tourism enthusiasts are hopeful about the revival of tourism in Pakistan, after Imran Khan has sworn in as the Prime Minister.

In his first speech to the nation as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan said the country have a number of God given tourist destinations and huge tourism potential. He promised to promote tourism to strengthen the country’s economy.

“The government will promote and position Pakistan as Asia’s Best Kept Secret in the global tourism market in order to boost tourism,” said Raja Khurram Nawaz, a lawmaker of the ruling Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) told media recently.

He said the government has plans to open four new resorts every year to promote tourism. Accommodation infrastructure and transportation facilities will be revamped with immediate effect.

“Tourism is considered as one of the most important sectors to increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is also indicates the safety and security of the country,” said Hamayun Iqbal Shami, Chairman of Pakistan Economic Forum Islamabad.

“If carryout properly, tourism can increase the GDP of the country and can create around 10 million job opportunities within a few years. Currently contribution of tourism to the GDP is just 2 per cent,” added Shami.

The newly sworn in government is expected to improve the tourism industry, as the PM has already shown special interest and attention for the improvement and promotion,” said Khawaja Ali Imran, Director of the Tourist Service at the Ministry of Tourism of Pakistan.

Most of the residents also expressed hope that the tourism industry of Pakistan would flourish in the tenure of the new PM, Imran Khan.