World Tourism Day ‘passes unnoticed’ in GB
• Stakeholders criticise absence of official events • Environmental activists warn unchecked tourism damaging fragile mountain ecosystems GILGIT: World Tourism Day went largely unnoticed in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) on Saturday as tourism stakeholders expressed disappointment over the absence of official activities and environmental activists warned of growing threats to the region’s fragile…
On Saturday, World Tourism Day passed largely unnoticed in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Pakistan. Stakeholders expressed disappointment over the lack of official events, while environmental activists warned of mounting threats to the region's delicate ecosystems.
GB, a major tourist destination for Pakistan, relies heavily on tourism for its livelihoods, with about 60% of the population dependent on the industry. However, there were no official gatherings or activities organized by the government or tourism organizations to celebrate the day.
Tour operators and those involved in the sector reported a decline in tourist arrivals, both foreign and domestic, due to rising fuel prices and the ongoing Iran-US conflict. Despite having a vast international tourism potential, the industry in GB has been neglected, according to a local tour guide, Asad Ali. He pointed out that the challenges facing the tourism industry have not been taken seriously despite a large portion of the population depending on it for their income.
Tour operator Mohammad Hussain expressed frustration, criticizing both the government and private sector for not using World Tourism Day to promote the region's tourism potential and raise awareness about the issues the industry faces. He suggested that awareness sessions could have been organized to attract more tourists.
Experts also warned that the increasing impact of climate change is putting pressure on the fragile mountain ecosystems in GB. The region is home to five of the world's 8,000-metre peaks, attracting hundreds of foreign climbers annually. However, the frequency of avalanches, rockfalls, and unpredictable weather has been rising, leading to tragic incidents such as the death of 13 foreign climbers this year.
Dr Sana Jamil, an adventurer, emphasized on social media that tourism can boost socio-economic development but can also contribute to pollution. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, tourism generates about 1.3 billion tonnes of waste, accounting for 4% to 8% of global waste.
Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasar acknowledged Pakistan's rich historical heritage, cultural diversity, and natural landscapes, which hold immense tourism potential. In his message on World Tourism Day, he highlighted that the country is blessed with natural landscapes, cultural diversity, historical heritage, and religious sites that can drive economic growth.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
