I agree with everyone that Pakistan does have a huge potential to be a tourist mecca (sorry to use the phrase)... but the question is do we really want it to become a tourist paradise..
I have seen the destruction of island havens with rich culture, e.g. Majorca, Menidorm, Tenerife, Medeira and most tourist areas of Turkey etc. by tourist industry..
American when they travel do not really care about local culture or how their tourist industry is causing damage to the local culture and lifestyle..
The islands i mentioned have become a large pub or cocktail bar... with people coming to spend time but not respecting local values and culture..
I would love more access by people to the countryside and northern areas.. but the main weighing factor to be considered is whether we want tourism at any cost, or should we learn from other's mistakes..
Tourism on our grounds not theirs.. because if the western tourist industry does get in.. they are going to destroy what we hold dear.. the undisturbed beauty of Pakistan
Blackzero,
You're Fraudiya's kid brother right? Well, I agree with you 100%, but I don't think that there is any danger of Pakistan going the way of Spain or Turkey. You have to bear in mind that the local populace of those places have a different mindset to Pakistanis.
In Pakistan, there aren't even any bars operating in public so it would be difficult to attract those types of tourists anyway.
Still, other places like Morocco and Egypt manage to attract a fair number of tourists, althoguh I'm not sure how liberal those places are re alcohol. And Kenya has become a tourist attraction for the Safari element.
Pakistan does have some places that are of great historical interest. I read two accounts just this weekend of people who have been to India and both travellers mentioned The Red Fort in Dehli and the Jama Masjid as high points. These are legacy of the Moghul period. We have a country full of that, not to mention some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world.
People like to see something different. I am sure there are lots of Americans and Europeans who would like to see a different way of life. And then there's always the dopeheads who would probably appreciate cheap charas.
[quote]
Originally posted by Mr Xtreme:
**Still, other places like Morocco and Egypt manage to attract a fair number of tourists, althoguh I'm not sure how liberal those places are re alcohol. And Kenya has become a tourist attraction for the Safari element.
And then there's always the dopeheads who would probably appreciate cheap charas.**
[/quote]
Egypt & morocco as far as i know have bars..and even night clubs...tunis even has nude beaches...
there is no way we r gonna go their way..
As for charas...yes a large # of tourists come 4 this & not to mention heroine...
It is very difficult to promote tourism while at the same time staying dry...how many tourists(not pilgrims) go to saudi Arabia...?