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Do you know about Ecotourism in Pakistan and Challenges in Northern Pakistan as Pakistan is amongst one of those few blessed countries which have the best possible scenarios regarding the Ecotourism. Although the term ecotourism is quiet new and unheard by majority of the people so for their regard here is a slight over view regarding the concept of ecotourism. There are a wide variety of terms describing ecotourism; mostly they are used to link tourism development with conservation of natural and cultural resources. These include nature-based travel, trekking, mountaineering, adventure, recreation, sustainable travel, wilderness travel, and car and cycle camping, conservation volunteering, nature viewing and special interest travel. Many of these pursuits may be examples of nature-based tourism but they are not ecotourism activities. Ecotourism is to be differentiated from the products
Ecotourism in Pakistan
Pakistan is having a very attractive and non-neglecting share of ecotourism in the national GDP of the state and the revenues which are generated through tourism in Pakistan has a significant share in the total revenues generated by the state. Not only in Pakistan but all over the globe Nature-based tourism (worldwide) is estimated to generate 7% of all international travel expenditure. Moreover, the World Resources Institute estimates that while general tourism is growing by 4% pa, nature-based tourism is increasing at a rate between 10% and 30% pa. Today’s global nature-based travel market is dominated by ecotourism products, which are estimated to have net worth of close to US$15 billion. It makes sense for Pakistan, a country blessed with strong ecotourism potential.
Ecotourism Challenges in Northern Pakistan
There are several issues, Challenges which area being faced in the Northern areas of Pakistan which is affecting the ecotourism very badly. Amongst all the issues which are being faced in such areas the most threatening is the terrorism, which has an adverse impact on the ecotourism and the attraction of tourism in the country. Recently a very unfortunate event further detoriated the situation in which several international mountain hikers were being killed in a terrorist activity which took place in Nanga Parbat which is known as one of the most visited resort and venue for ecotourism in Pakistan. The government is also partially responsible for not developing this industry to the extent it should be done as far as the economy of the state and its contribution is being concerned. A further more serious and mature approach is required to develop this industry so that Pakistan can make the most out of this opportunity and can develop ecotourism is such a manner so that it can play vital role in the stability and strengthening of the national economy of the state.