Gilgit-Baltistan is a land of unmatched natural beauty and cultural significance. It is renowned for its stunning landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and rich culture. Beyond its aesthetic allure, tourism plays a pivotal role in fueling the region’s economic development, offering a lifeline to local communities.The region is home to several famous tourist spots like the Karakoram Highway, Hunza Valley, and the world’s eighth-highest peaks. Furthermore, the rich cultural tapestry woven by indigenous traditions and vibrant local festivals presents a captivating glimpse into the soul of this land. Adventure enthusiasts find themselves drawn to the region, enticed by the promise of exhilarating trekking expeditions, challenging mountaineering endeavors, and the thrill of engaging in various winter sports activities. However, amidst the region’s beauty lie challenges that have impeded the realization of its full tourism potential, demanding comprehensive attention and strategic solutions. Thus, prioritizing sustainable development is key to addressing these issues and ensuring the region’s long-term well-being.
Tourism Potential and Economic Impact in Gilgit-Baltistan
The tourism industry in Gilgit-Baltistan serves as an indispensable catalyst for the local economy, creating employment opportunities and acting as a conduit for regional growth. The prospects for sustainable tourism development are immense, with the potential to uplift infrastructure and enhance connectivity for a seamless tourist experience. Moreover, tourism’s positive influence extends to the preservation and promotion of local arts, crafts, and cultural practices, safeguarding the region’s heritage while fostering economic prosperity.
Challenges Confronting Tourism Development in Gilgit-Baltistan
While Gilgit-Baltistan possesses an abundance of natural and cultural treasures, its journey towards sustainable tourism is marred by various challenges which are as follow.
Poverty
As per the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey, approximately 45% of Gilgit Baltistan’s residents live below the poverty line, a figure lower than that of neighboring Bangladesh. The estimated poverty rate has declined from 13.47 in 2016 to 10.44 in 2022, considering the international poverty line of $2.15 (Shahi, 2023). Poverty poses a substantial barrier to progress, significantly restricting access to education, healthcare, and other essential necessities. Also, high poverty rates in limit local spending on tourism activities,may hinder the development of a skilled workforce, and impede investments in essential infrastructure and services, ultimately affecting the overall visitor experience and the region’s tourism appeal.
Infrastructure
Another significant hurdle is the inadequate infrastructure. Gilgit Baltistan grapples with a limited road network, and numerous areas have become inaccessible during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. This situation presents challenges in the transportation of goods and services, consequently impacting the region’s economy. Trade activities at the Sost dry port yielded a “record revenue” of approximately Rs 1 billion within the first 20 days of December 2022 (Shahi, 2023). Amelioration in trade fosters in case of blockage of roads due to rainfall and snowfalls. Thus, establishing purposeful infrastructure holds the key to unlocking the region’s potential, paving the way for future prosperity and sustainability in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Electricity
The most apparent issue revolves around electricity. According to a report from the Aga Khan Foundation, approximately 60% of schools in the area lack electricity, and a quarter of them do not have access to clean drinking water (Shahi, 2023). The prevalence of power outages is pronounced, with some cities in Gilgit-Baltistan experiencing more than 15 hours of blackout. Furthermore, instances of power theft and unpaid bills are commonplace, yet little management seems to be addressing these concerns. Despite the construction of dams such as Sadpara Lake and Attabad Lake in Hunza in 2003 and 2010, respectively, no further measures have been taken in this domain, and the water levels in both lakes have significantly decreased.
Climate Change
Scientists forecast that climate change will accelerate glacier melting, leading to decades of erratic floods and droughts, particularly in the most vulnerable regions of Gilgit Baltistan. These environmental instabilities can adversely impact tourism by posing risks to travel safety and accessibility, as well as causing potential disruptions to popular tourist destinations. Constructing resilient infrastructure is vital to addressing these environmental challenges, ensuring the safety and convenience of tourists and safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the region’s tourism industry.
Environmental Degradation
Environmental deterioration represents another noteworthy challenge. While Gilgit Baltistan’s natural allure draws in tourists, unsustainable tourism approaches have resulted in ecological harm. For instance, the establishment of hotels and resorts in ecologically delicate zones has inflicted damage upon vulnerable ecosystems. Pamir’s time reported the collection of 5,650 kg of waste from K2-Baltoro, underscoring the pressing nature of this issue (Shahi, 2023).
Environmental degradation can significantly affect tourism by diminishing the appeal of the region’s natural beauty and ecological diversity. Unsustainable tourism practices, such as the construction of accommodations in environmentally sensitive areas, can lead to the degradation of delicate ecosystems, potentially deterring eco-conscious tourists.Failure to implement sustainable tourism practices could result in a decline in tourist interest and a tarnished reputation for Gilgit Baltistan as a desirable and environmentally conscious travel destination.
The Way Forward
Implement sustainable development initiatives focused on preserving the natural environment, promoting responsible tourism practices, and minimizing the ecological footprint of tourism activities.
Prioritize the development and improvement of essential infrastructure, including road networks, electricity, and water supply, to enhance accessibility and the overall tourism experience.
Encourage the active involvement of local communities in tourism development initiatives, empowering them to participate in decision-making processes and benefit from the economic opportunities generated by tourism.
Advocate for policy reforms that support the sustainable growth of the tourism industry, such as regulations that protect ecologically sensitive areas, promote responsible tourism, and ensure the equitable distribution of tourism benefits among local communities.
Invest in capacity building programs and training for local residents, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality services and experiences that meet the expectations of diverse tourists.
Launch conservation efforts aimed at preserving the region’s natural resources, including initiatives to manage waste effectively, promote eco-friendly practices, and raise awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship among tourists and local communities.
Develop and implement climate change adaptation strategies that address the anticipated challenges, such as glacier melting and erratic weather patterns, to minimize the impact on tourism activities and ensure the safety and well-being of tourists and local residents.
Foster collaborative partnerships between the government, private sector, local communities, and international organizations to leverage collective expertise, resources, and networks for the sustainable development and promotion of Gilgit-Baltistan as a leading global tourism destination.
Conclusion
The tourism landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan reflects both its inherent potential and the challenges that impede its full realization. Sustainable tourism practices and a collaborative approach that involves all stakeholders are essential for the region’s long-term growth and prosperity. By addressing the challenges with innovative solutions and nurturing the region’s cultural and natural heritage, Gilgit-Baltistan can pave the way for a sustainable and thriving tourism industry that benefits both its local communities and global travelers.
References
Shahi, M. (2023, May 3). Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Gilgit-Baltistan: Focusing on Eco-Friendly Tourism and Renewable Energy. The Dayspring. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://www.thedayspring.com.pk/challenges-and-opportunities-for-sustainable-development-in-gilgit-baltistan-focusing-on-eco-friendly-tourism-and-renewable-energy/
This article is written by Haneen Gul. Haneen is a research analyst at the Iqbal Institute of Policy Studies (IIPS).
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