Tourism

 

Tourism is one of the worst-hit industries globally by Covid-19.  It is feared that the losses from the pandemic can be substantially higher than the estimated figures, as the world is facing an unprecedented situation. Local economic crisis on tourism sector, owing to Covid-19 is an unparalleled scenario with further uncertainties, as how long it is going to last and thus losses will have to be constantly revised as circumstances change. Therefore, tourism industry all over the world is devising different policies and strategies to switch on to the survival mode by initiating controlled tourism activities. This refers that some activities pertaining to tourism industry may be initiated, while minimizing the risk of pandemic of Covid-19 with minimum public interactions. It is will support the stakeholders related to the industry for survival and will help in avoiding the complete collapse of the tourism sector.

            Keeping in view the national, and global scenario in view, it is imperative for Government of GB, to provide the industry with the right tools, resources, and relief packages for its survival and to bounce back effectively, during this difficult time. As the tourism business model in Gilgit-Baltistan is primarily focused on catering to the needs of national and foreign tourists, therefore, the domestic and foreign tourist may be attracted to visit uncrowded tourist destination like natural parks, mountains, rocks, forests etc. Similarly, activities which involves less crowed and public alike mountaineering, trekking, paragliding, and rock climbing can be promoted. We may initiate all necessary measures to attract the tourists to visit uncrowded touristic destination instead of visiting crowded places. This mode of controlled tourism may be helpful in attracting the foreigners and domestic tourists to GB, thus giving the industry some necessary support for survival in this time of Covid-19. The following SOPs are devised by the Department of Tourism GB in consultation with all stakeholders to initiate Controlled Tourism Activities in GB.