According to the World Economic Forum‘s latest report released on Sunday, Pakistan has jumped six places on the International Travel and Tourism Development Index.
Pakistan was ranked 83rd out of 117 countries in the 2021 edition of the index, “Rebuilding for a Sustainable and Resilient Future.” Pakistan was ranked 89th in the previous edition, published in 2019.
The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDCManaging )’s Director, Aftabur Rehman Rana, described the country’s improved standing as “major improvement.” Despite its many setbacks, the PTI appears to have achieved great headway in ensuring the tourism sector’s long-term viability and resilience during its tenure.
The federal and provincial governments have taken a number of efforts in the previous two years to improve tourism services by building infrastructure, strengthening the business climate, assuring safety and security, as well as health and cleanliness, and creating socio-economic resilience.
Tourism has long been recognised as an untapped resource that is underutilised.
The PTI, on the other hand, has demonstrated that judicious efforts can provide benefits that resonate across numerous industries.
If more tourists want to come, more foreign exchange can be generated, and local small businesses could benefit significantly. Furthermore, the recent influx of professional vloggers to Pakistan has given the country much-needed international exposure as a country with exceptional hospitality.
This helps to dispel Western preconceptions about Pakistan, making it easier for businesses interested in investing in the region. Our country’s natural beauty is unparalleled, and we must take advantage of it to attract tourists and businesspeople.We must be connected to the global world in the modern world system. As a result, we must strive to expand tourism globally rather than restricting it at the national level.
The incumbent government must now keep pursuing the same policies that have achieved positive results while also looking for ways to improve them. Good policies and grassroots development will lay the groundwork for Pakistan’s tourist sector to grow. Although we have made good progress, a lot still needs to be done to improve the tourism sector’s performance as it has the potential to play a key role in the country’s socio-economic development,” he added.
Japan grabbed the top spot on the tourism index, followed by the US, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Singapore and Italy. Talking to Dawn, former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Tourism Coordination Azam Jamil said he had always stressed the need for improving the sector’s supply side rather than the demand side. “First we need to elevate our infrastructure, improve our safety record and pay attention to hygiene, especially when inviting foreigners. “I had always told the (former) prime minister that first we need to get our house in order instead of running after numbers. The PTI, on the other hand, has demonstrated that judicious efforts can provide benefits that resonate across numerous industries.
