Tourism is an essential and important element in the economy of a nation. It is not only concerned with leisure travels but also contributes significantly in earning revenues, generating employment and contributing in the development of nations. It has achieved status of industry and recognized as an important pillar in the economic development of Pakistan. Through travels, individuals contribute towards the national economy as well as their knowledge base. As a result of all these aspects, tourism has emerged as a vital pillar in economic development.
Money Generated by Tourism
Tourism provides a significant advantage in terms of revenue generation like other industries in a country. In this respect, tourists contribute to different sources like accommodation, food, transportation services, entertainment and shopping. As a consequence of such contributions, there is an increase in revenues earned by different companies. Tourist attraction is one of the major sources of revenues for many countries, particularly those have missed industrial or agriculture sector.
Creation of Job Opportunities
Tourism also creates a variety of job opportunities for people. Hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and transport services employ a large number of people because of tourism. Guide, driver, vendor, and shopkeeper all earn income due to tourism. Tourism also contributes to the growth of agriculture and construction. Farmers provide food products to the hotels, while construction works develop roads and buildings for the use of tourists. In such a manner, tourism aids in earning income for peoples of various fields.
Development of Better Roads and Infrastructure
When tourism starts developing in an area, governments and business organizations improve infrastructure there. New roads, airports, hotels, and other facilities are constructed that benefit both tourists and residents. Tourism thus contributes to the development of a country and provides a backbone infrastructure for a country.
Helpfulness towards Small and Rural Areas
Tourism also proves a lot of benefits for small towns and rural areas. There are many tourist destinations in small and poor rural regions. By visiting such areas, tourists contribute to the creation of employment opportunities and small-scale industries, which aid in reducing poverty in these regions. So, in this way, these small rural areas become the part of main stream of large developed cities of the country.
More Investment and Business Development
With the growth of the industry, there will be more investments in the areas of tourism. Local and international investors will be attracted due to favorable conditions and facilities created by governments for such purposes. As a result, more investments will lead to development and business growth.
Learning About Other Cultures
Tourism is an activity, which involves visiting various places, trying new foods and learning new things related to other cultures. Through tourism, people from one country have an opportunity to learn about people living in those areas. They will be able to appreciate the differences between each other and show mutual respect. Local populations will be able to share their cultures with people coming from other countries as well.
Nature Protection
One of the cores positive effects that should be mentioned is nature protection due to responsible tourism. Most tourist destinations rely on their nature as a main attraction for tourists. That is why most local residents will take care of their nature in order to maintain it in its original state. Moreover, eco-tourism and investment will allow protecting forests and wildlife.
Tourism in Pakistan
Pakistan has huge potential when it comes to tourism. There are plenty of attractive features including beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and heritage of the country. The tourist destinations such as Hunza valley, Skardu, and Swat valley include beautiful mountains, lakes, and an amazing environment, attracting many visitors. To enjoy the beauty of Pakistan, one must plan to travel to Pakistan.
There are also some other sites which belong to both historical and cultural categories, such as Badshahi mosque and Mohenjo-daro, which attract many tourists due to their interesting historical and cultural value. There is also religious tourism, and Kartarpur corridor is one of the best examples.
Tourism in Pakistan is developing rapidly and brings great economic benefit to the country in terms of employment, business development, and increased revenue. Still, there are several issues that prevent Pakistan from becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations. These problems include lack of necessary facilities, safety issues, and low level of promotion. If all these issues are sorted out, there will be a rapid growth in number of tourists.
Problems Arisen due to Tourism
Despite all its advantages, tourism poses some problems as well. Excessive presence of visitors may result in various forms of pollution, overcrowding, and environmental destruction. Higher prices for goods and services can complicate the life of local inhabitants. Hence, it is necessary to manage the process of tourism effectively and avoid harming the environment and the population of the destination areas.
Conclusion
In general, tourism plays an extremely important role in economic development of any country. First, tourism brings additional money into countries' economies and creates numerous job opportunities. Second, it leads to the improvement of infrastructure and stimulates entrepreneurship among local inhabitants. Third, it allows developing better understanding between people of different nations. Taking into account that Pakistan possesses unique potential of tourism, this area can play an increasingly important role in development of the national economy provided that it is managed wisely.
