Calling the tourism industry as a major role in poverty alleviation and one of his top priorities, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has unveiled his vision and features of the Tourism Policy of Pakistan to develop tourism as an industry in the country.
Former cricketer, Imram Khan, published a pictorial “A journey through Pakistan” in the early 80s to promote Pakistan among his international followers as one of the top starts of the Cricket world. He brought several European celebrities to Pakistan during the 80s and 90s to show the beauty of Pakistan among such celebrities as the late Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, and the mother of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
The Prime Minister, while addressing the Pakistan Tourism Summit on Wednesday, was of the view that Pakistan is one of the most beautiful lands on Earth, and still has virgin places offering explorers exceptional adventures, reported the DND News Agency.
His view of developing tourism is based on his view that the role of the state is to facilitate tourists by providing them infrastructure and security, and the rest should be done by private sector.
He believes that poverty has decreased due to tourism in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and that tourism can be a major tool for poverty alleviation in Pakistan.
He stated that his government has opened its first International Information Tourist Corner in Belgium to introduce Pakistan as a tourism destination where tourists can get information about its unique culture, exceptional natural beauty of its northern areas, and the traditional lifestyle of its mountain people.
He stated that while collaborating with a Dutch Company, the Tourist Corner established in Brussels is the first-ever initiative by the Pakistani mission in Belgium to promote tourism products of Pakistan.
He stated that his government already started online visa processing for residents from 175 countries, and an e-visa facility is playing a role in attracting tourists.