ALL STUDENTS WELCOME TO PAKISTAN

DESPITE being a host to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world, Pakistan's share of the tourism market in South Asia is a very poor, indeed, and dismal 0.2 percent.

While it is understandable that India would dominate tourism in the region, Pakistan has lagged far behind countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka.

This could largely be explained by fear of terrorism but even as violence has decreased in the region there has been no perceptible increase in tourism.

The government is now trying to boost tourism revenue by announcing a series of measures designed to attract visitors from abroad.

The most important of these policy decisions is a liberalisation of the visa regime. Visitors from 50 countries will now be given a visa on arrival while some 175 countries applicants will be able to get an e-visa.

Travel restrictions within the country have been totally eased as tourists will now be able to go to  Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan without any restrictions and will also be able to freely enter open cantonment areas.

Tour operators will be able to bring large group hassle-free and business visas will be given more liberally than before.

AS tourist attractions get crowded during the peak seasons, the lack of facilities takes a toll on the environment at these sites.

This underscores the need to educate tourists to preserve nature, and to follow standard public hygiene and cleanliness procedures at tourism sites, besides the-

The enforcement of laws to discourage ruthless and unplanned construction on resorts and around the heritage sites.

The honor and serving of the latest operational research on Pakistan, Tourism and Plans, continues. The World Students Society thanks the editorial board of The News.