Pakistan is blessed with a myriad of natural beauty and is full of wonders for tourists. The beauty of the land has attracted local and foreign tourists over the years. However, the COVID-19 badly impacts the Pakistan tour and travel sector. The government takes proper measurements and limits the inflow of tourists to manage the social distance.
And this year, local tourists have boosted the industry. The COVID-pandemic has impacted many countries, including Pakistan. Therefore, every country takes proper measures to cope with challenges in the tourism industry.
Pakistan's tourism sector before the COVID-19 outbreak
Pakistan is prosperous with natural and cultural beauties, and this land has the potential to attract tourists. Before COVID-19, Pakistan's tourism industry was stable and domestic tourism significantly contributed to the country's economy. Initially, the COVID-19 impacted the economic system, and the government faced a loss in the GDP. After the outbreak, the government also bans domestic tours that negatively impact the country's economy.
What basic restrictions for traveling?
Several domestic and international flights have decreased significantly. Due to the COVID-19 condition, Pakistani officials also changed PCR test and quarantine rules. People are also obliged to follow the local governments. And they have to follow the advice and practices of local authorities to protect against the COVID-19 disease. Even the people have to follow all measures and are restricted to arrange any travel or personal activity.
Limitations in public places
COVID-19 also affected Pakistan's industry on the public and private levels. The government authorities take proper measures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. People also faced bans on outdoor and indoor activities. Even the authority manages the mandatory standard of services for the public areas and activities. It was to wear a mask and maintain social distance in public places. In all provinces, people are advised to follow the rules.
Impacts of COVID-19 on the tourism industry
It is a fact that Pakistan has vast tourism potential, and government officials should make all efforts to thrive the tourism industry in the country. The officials aim to attract locals or foreigners from all over the world once the pandemic subsides. The former Prime minister Imran Khan also seeks to promote the tourism sector in the country, and he also keeps this task as his priority. That's because tourism creates vigorous economic activity and positively impacts the country.
Decrease GDP of the country
In 2019, the tourism industry in Pakistan was popular and succeeded, and the GDP rate was 5.7 percent. After the pandemic, the country's total GDP decreased to 4.4 percent, cutting down much employment. In the last years, the tourism sector gets poorly affected, and most places have been closed due to coronavirus restrictions. The pandemic COVID-19 brings enormous challenges for Pakistan's government. Pakistan also faces a loss of 10 billion rupees in the tourism sector.
Face the travel restrictions
Pakistan tour industry faces restrictions, and locals also avoid visiting the northern areas and KP province, which is the fundamental attraction for the tourists. The domestic tourists set their trips from May to October. The areas of the north are prevalent among nature lovers, all thanks to the highest peaks, glaciers, and scenic views. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the domestic travelers avoid tours, which is a big challenge for the country.
Impacts on jobs in tourism sectors
The tourism industry is also connected to the livelihood of people. The tours operators are not only linked to these endure but also get huge benefits of earning. On a domestic level, this industry also positively impacts the economy. Thus, the COVID-19 negatively impacts sectoral growth and creates a reason to lose huge money.
Hope for the best future for tourism
Of course, the tourism industry will be hit hard after the COVID-19 pandemic and remain highly uncertain for a specific time. In Pakistan, authorities are also struggling to keep the industry on track. Even after the outbreak, the challenges remain, and everyone is facing severe impacts on jobs and business. However, the tourism sector of Pakistan has the potential to recover and go on the right track. Here are some tips:
• Build the confidence of tourists
• Adopt new policies to survive
• Support domestic tourism and ensure to provide safe flights
• Give clear information about travel to the tourists
• Build strong relationships with other countries
Pakistan needs to make flexible policies and learn something from the crisis. The COVID-19 situation is a chance to rebuild the tourism industry and take proper measures to reshape the travel industry. Thus, the government needs to make good, responsive, and long-term plans to cope with the crisis. The travel sector of Pakistan faces difficulties with tours. The country is also facing this situation due to the poor IT infrastructure and technological advancement.
How do you cope with COVID-19 impacts?
Many tour companies and operators face huge losses due to the cancellation of bookings. Only KPK's tourism sector faces a loss of $20 million in revenues. However, the only positive result of a pandemic is that nature and wildlife have taken a break from the over-burden of tourism. The official and private sectors should collaborate to cope with the impacts of COVID-19. Here are also some suggestions:
• It is helpful to introduce an electronic form of tours
• Provide better support and guidance to the hotel owners and transporters to provide upgraded facilities for safety practices.
• The official must try to develop SOPs for travelers, workers, and firms.
• Make better plans and give awareness and provide eco-friendly travel facilities.
