Travel and Tourism Development in Pakistan under CPEC: Policy Recommendations

Travel and Tourism (T&T) sector is considered substantial to foster socio-economic activity. Growth of T&T sector generates both the direct,indirect and induced impacts like employment opportunities so its total contribution in terms of economic and social prospects is tremendous. Therefore, developing economies like Pakistan has prioritized T & T sector as preferential policy preference in its developmental agenda. It is the major reason for Government of Pakistan to incorporate T&T sector as key area of cooperation under the long term plan of CPEC. Cooperation and investment under CPEC are expected to enhance the development of T&T sector in Pakistan.As per the Travel and Tourism Competitive Index report of World Economic Forum 1,429,580 people are employed in the T&T sector of Pakistan which comprised 2.4% of total employment, this sector contributed US $7,362.0 million in GDP which comprised of 2.8% of GDP. Furthermore, 965,498 international tourists visited Pakistan during a year in which survey was conducted Whereas, induced or indirect impacts are concerned a Canadian tourist Ian who has travelled to 188 countries of the world shared his experience in Pakistan by saying that “Never would have I imagined Pakistan to be the way it was! I had pictured something similar to India and Bangladesh. But it is far from it! It has its very own flavor and culture, its people are particularly friendly and its landscape is breathtaking! Kind of a mix between Iran, Afghanistan and India and Nepal at the same time”5. Similarly, an Indian-American Asim Jaweed experienced culturally diverse Pakistan and penned his experience “I cherished my time in Lahore.