Northern Pakistan Emerges as Top Travel Destination Amid Sustainability Challenges
Northern Pakistan, particularly the Gilgit-Baltistan region, has witnessed a significant surge in tourism, with foreign tourist arrivals increasing by 121% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This uptick has been bolstered by streamlined visa processes and the introduction of direct flights between Dubai and Skardu, enhancing accessibility for international travelers.travelandtourworld.com
The region’s allure lies in its breathtaking landscapes, including majestic mountains, serene lakes, and unique cultural heritage sites. However, this rapid growth in tourism has raised concerns about environmental sustainability. Challenges such as deforestation, pollution, and unregulated construction threaten the fragile ecosystems of Gilgit-Baltistan.
To address these issues, several initiatives have been launched:
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Green Tourism Company Initiatives
The Green Tourism Company, operating under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), has undertaken significant projects to enhance the tourism infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan. In its initial phase, the company selected 20 locations across Pakistan, with 25% situated in Gilgit-Baltistan. An investment of 3 billion rupees has been allocated to upgrade facilities in these areas, aiming to make the region more appealing to both domestic and international tourists. This initiative is expected to create approximately 300 direct and 3,000 to 4,000 indirect employment opportunities in Gilgit-Baltistan.
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Sustainable Tourism Certifications
Established in 2023, the Gilgit-Baltistan Sustainable Tourism Hub (GBSTH) is a social enterprise offering sustainable tourism certifications, training, and consultancy programs. This initiative aims to equip local businesses with the knowledge and tools necessary to operate sustainably, ensuring long-term ecological preservation. The GBSTH provides personalized certification guidance tailored to the unique needs of tourism businesses and destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan, fostering responsible and impactful tourism practices. gsthub.pk
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Ecotourism Development
Efforts to promote ecotourism in Gilgit-Baltistan emphasize the conservation of natural landscapes and the improvement of local livelihoods. The region’s tourism department is committed to sustainable tourism by conserving natural and cultural heritage to uplift living conditions without compromising future generations’ interests. Additionally, events such as the Gilgit-Baltistan Climate-Energy Nexus aim to address challenges posed by climate change, highlighting the urgency of developing a sustainable tourism industry in the region. visitgilgitbaltistan.gov.pkpfan.net
Collectively, these initiatives aim to balance tourism growth with ecological preservation, ensuring that the natural beauty attracting visitors remains unspoiled for future generations.
These measures reflect a growing recognition of the need to balance economic development through tourism with the preservation of the region’s unique environmental and cultural assets. As Northern Pakistan continues to attract visitors worldwide, sustainable tourism practices will be crucial in maintaining the delicate equilibrium between growth and conservation.
