The Maritime Study Forum, an Islamabad based think-tank, organized a webinar on ‘How to get Pakistan’s Coastal Tourism Industry Up and Running’.
Prominent scholars from academia, media persons, and policy makers were among guests and the participants. The webinar aimed to bring Pakistan’s coastal tourism industry into spotlight and to overcome its issues with sustainable policy options. According to the presentation by Maritime Study Forum, the estimated potential of coastal tourism in Pakistan amounts around $4-5 billion. However, Pakistan hardly generates around $50,000 from this industry.
According to a survey conducted by Maritime Study Forum, around 70% of the participants were interested in coastal tourism. However, most of them had either never experience coastal tourism or had not seen Pakistan’s coastline beyond Karachi. The presentation concluded on need to take steps and work on promoting coastal tourism and averting sea-blindness.
Among the panellists, Air Vice Marshal (r) Ijaz Malik stressed on taking example from coastal tourism development models of other countries which are exploiting the potential. In this regard, he suggested UAE model would help Pakistan develop its coast for a thriving tourism industry.
Naghmana Zafar, Senior Research Associate NIMA, stressed the need to promote maritime domain awareness among institutions and organizations within the country. In order to address sea blindness in the country not only the common public needs to be sensitized, but the investors and institutions also need to be sensitized in this regard.
Shoaib Ahmed, CEO of Al-Noor Cruise Shipping, emphasized on promoting the development of local coastal communities in order to promote tourism in the region. The local culture of coastal communities can act as a great incentive to attract tourists towards this part of the country. It will also help protect marine environment across the coast. For that reason, developing and empowering local communities will help improve coastal tourism infrastructure in the country. President Maritime Study Forum Dr Syed Mohammed Anwer concluded the webinar by emphasizing the need for promoting maritime awareness in the country. It will not only help promoting coastal development and tourism, but will also highlight importance of overall maritime sector in national economy. The webinar concluded with consensus of panellists and participants on need to promote awareness regarding coastal tourism and stress the decision-makers to take steps to boost the coastal tourism industry. A coastal tourism authority should also be established in order to manage and promote coastal tourism in the country.
