Guest Post by Bradistan Calling
The government has decided to celebrate the year 2007 as ‘Visit Pakistan Year‘.
Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the world. It can bring employment, opportunities and recognition. Pakistan is one of the best kept secrets of the tourism industry. Posts on ATP - on our various hidden tourist gems, our history, our culture and heritage, etc. - are examples of all that Pakistan has to offer. Everyone has their own ideas on Pakistan and pakistaniat; but ATP has demonostrated our ‘unity in diversity.’
ATP is the right forum for discussing how we can make “Visit Pakistan 2007″ a success.
What avenues can be explored for participation and promotion of Pakistan. How can we 
attract tourists to Pakistan in 2007 and beyond? What can institutions like the national flag carrier (PIA) do to become a calling card for Pakistani tourism and hospitality? What role can the media play in this? And what can Pakistanis abroad do?
If those Pakistanis who live abroad decide to take ‘Visit Pakistan 2007′ seriously, others will surely follow.
Bradistan Calling is a proud Pakistani in Bradford, West yorkshire (Little Pakistan).
nilofer bakhtiar the minister for tourism has become a mini celebrity in western press abd news channels after the france parachuete jump and Red mosque fatwa.
as they say even BAD PUBLICITY IS WELCOME.
REMEMBER RICHARD ARMITAGE “BOMBING BACK TO STONE AGE” AND BOOKS SALES OF MUSHARRAF “IN THE LINE OF FIRE”
IS NILOFER CONTROVERSY PROMOTING PAKISTANI TOURISM??
Do you know we have so many old buildings reflecting our colourful past. And for this State Bank have stated an initiative to beauty I.I.Chundrigar Road and you will see all our old buildings being restored, decorated and enlighten. Visit our site http://www.heritageonline.com.pk to explore yourself
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/04/09/1011 6866.html
http://www.concordiaexpeditions.com/pakistan/lahor e.html
I feel that Pakistan is not the sort of country where a foreign tourist (especially a Western tourist) can just land and start moving about - like in Thailand. This is mainly due to hurdles such as language, terrible public transport system, extra precaution needed against un-clean water and food items, conservative culture etc.
HOWEVER, I see tremendous hope in Pakistan in terms of guided tours: where every single detail of the trip is planned out by the tourism agency (pick drop from airport, hotel, transport, tour guide-very important, meals, evening activities etc.)
Modern (non-traditional), and innovative businessmen will be required to market and implement these tours effectively. Also, the government needs to stop using catchy phrases and big words; and actually come up with a REALISTIC and SUSTAINABLE tourism strategy. Destination 2007 to me is nothing but a catchy logo, a website (that appears nice at first but is actually TERRIBLE..expected), and a few ministers gloating about nothing.
By the way, I have mentioned the website example because in today’s globalized world, websites are the key window the world has to view pakistan. Look at tourism websites done by the govt of India or Malaysia and compare with Pakistan and you’ll know what i’m talking about.
Hi all,
Thanks for nice words and thanks for really very interesting articles on this site, I’ll be reading it before and during my trip, I’ll be also taking a lot of photos, so you could see how your country is seen by the foreigner ;)
Fareed, I want to visit Peshawar too, I’ll try to contact you when I’ll be near, could you send me your email?
Best regards
There is a telling opinion column by Irfan Hussain in Dawn today that pretty much sums it all up.
http://www.dawn.com/weekly/mazdak/mazdak.htm
“Hi,I’m from Poland and I’m going to Pakistan in February. Yes, I’m afraid a little bit (the only news that come to Poland about Pakistan is about terrorism etc…), but I believe that it will the journey of my life. All people who visited your country earlier were very enthusiastic and they just love it, they are more trustworthy than newspapers.”
Jacek: Pakistan is just like any other country in the world. It is neither all good nor all bad. However it is a beautiful country and a wonderful place to visit. You will fall in love with its mountains and valleys; rivers and plains; deserts and sea; and most of all people and places. Upon your return please do tell us about your travels to Pakistan here at ATP. Welcome to Pakistan–The land of the Mighty Indus.