keep calm and travel on

 

Tourism plays an important role in the economic success of world countries. It boosts the revenue collection of the country. It creates thousands of job opportunities for the people, improves the living condition as well as the infrastructure of the country. It also creates a sense of cultural exchange between the locals and foreigners.  Tourism creates job opportunities that are not just limited to the tourism industry but also creates jobs in the health sector, agriculture sector, communication, and education sector. To generate revenue from the tourism sector, the government must have to invest lots of money to improve the infrastructure to attract more tourists.

In the field of tourism, Pakistan is among the best tourist destinations in developing countries. The cultural and historical heritage, mesmerizing and breathtaking view of the natural beauty of Pakistan are the source of attraction for the tourist. Places like Chitral, Naran khaghan, Gilgit, Swat, Shangla are some of the favorite tourist spots in Pakistan. Among these Chitral is one of my favorite tourist destinations because of its mountain ranges, countless glaciers, waterfalls, breathtaking natural beauty, unique culture, and tradition that attract mountain climbers, hikers, skiers, and adventure lovers.

Tourism in Chitral is not only a source of enjoyment for the tourist but it also plays a vital role in the economic development of the Chitral region. It helps to reduce the poverty and help an individual to increase their family income. Which automatically help families to improve their living standard. On the other hand tourism in Chitral improves the infrastructure of the region. The government along with international organizations invests millions of dollars in mega projects in Chitral to promote tourism in Chitral. These megaprojects include the construction of roads, restaurants, hospitals, hotels, Powerhouses, etc. That alternatively creates thousands of jobs in many different areas. Such as hotels, tour guides, tour companies, souvenir shops, rental cars, service stations, event organizers. 

In addition tourism in Chitral becomes a great source for entrepreneurs to start small businesses. Such as the skilled women can start businesses of products of traditional handicrafts and woolen products like sweaters, shawls, capes, shoes, and socks, etc. Tourists love and are attracted to the traditional food of the different areas. Therefore it’s a great opportunity for locals to open a restaurant where they serve traditional food and drink to the tourists. Similarly, tourism also gives way to creating business between locals and outsiders. In Chitral, people grow vegetables and fruits. Farming is a great source for locals to do business and earn large amounts of money. Usually, when tourists visit any place, they buy some gifts for their beloved one, and in Chitral, people have souvenir shops where they sell truly catching antique jewelry made up of precious stones, woolen products, traditional and musical instruments that can truly attract the tourist.

Every year thousands of people visit chitral because of its beautiful valleys. Such as Kalash valley, madaklasht, Garam chashma, etc. The people of Kalash valley have their own unique culture, tradition, religion, language, and dress. Every year thousands of people visit Kalash valley for getting amused by their festival, experience their lifestyle, taste their food, and enjoy the mesmerizing view of nature. Not only do tourists enjoy but they also create many employment opportunities for the locals such as tourists need a tour guide, they need a residence to stay, need food, etc. In this way, tourism also improves their living standard.

Madaklasht valley is popular for its serene, waterfall, high mountains, and heavy snowfall. For the last few years, different national organizations with the collaboration of international organizations organize snow ski festivals. Where the international, national and local skiers, snowboarders participate. The popular thing about the ski festival is that they use to make their own ski from wood. And every child practiced ski since their childhood. The ski festival not only promotes winter sport in Madaklasht, it also attracts many national and international tourists to enjoy the winter season in Madaklasht as well as it also generates income for the locals too.

Chitral is also known for its freestyle polo. Which is played every year in Shandur. Where all the national and international players participate. Along with players, many other tourists come there to enjoy the festival.

Another tourist spot in Chitral is qaqlasht. Which is situated in Booni. Every year there is a festival named jashan e Qaqlasht. where they organize different tournaments like polo, football, paragliding, volleyball, and cricket. Thousands of people enjoy the festival. Where they stay in nearby hotels and the majority of them do camping. Many locals display different stalls such as food stalls, toys, cold drinks, gifts, etc.

Another very dynamic festival celebrated with full zest in the northern part of Chitral is named Broghal yolk polo festival. Where they use yolk instead of horses. Many tourists find their destiny there and enjoy the festival.

To conclude this, tourism in Chitral not only improves the living condition of the locals but also contributes to the national GDP of the country. Therefore there is still a need for proper attention from the governments sector to explore the hidden potential of tourism in the area. Government should also ensure environment-friendly tourism and educate the tourist about the distinct culture of Chitral to benefit both locals and tourists.