The development of tourism is directly proportional to the level of infrastructure in a country as both go as hands in glove for the promotion of tourism and ensuring that our country becomes one of the top tourist destinations it is important to develop facilities such as transportation facilities, healthcare facilities, water management facilities, waste management facilities, recreational facilities etc. Accessibility to the above facilities is the key element in creating the impression among tourists. The satisfaction of the tour program is measured by these facilities.
The development of a place for tourism also helps in boosting the economy of the locality and has a trickle-down effect on the development of the whole country. Even though this kind of development is not noticed easily the factor of contribution by the tourism sector on the economy is higher.
As the World Bank has described it in its World Development Report, “Infrastructure is the wheel of development.” Without infrastructure, you can get nowhere.
In this regard, each country has a task to encourage maximum utilization of available tourism potential it possess, whose attractiveness can attract significant numbers of tourists. With the increasing number of tourists, certain destinations become more competitive and more attractive for investment in the development of tourism infrastructure.
Gearing et al (1974) study the case of Turkey as a tourist destination and find that infrastructure (comprising roads, water, electricity, safety services, health services, communications and public transportation) is a key determinant explaining tourist arrivals.
Tang and Rochananond (1990) conclude that infrastructure is an important element in promoting Thailand as a tourist destination country. More recently, Kim et al (2000) in discussing the case of Sun Lost City, South Africa, and McElroy (2003) in discussing small islands highlight the importance of infrastructure, particularly government-financed infrastructure, in the success of a destination.
To develop tourism infrastructure the public-private partnership plays a major role. Development cannot take place in isolation. It needs coordinated support of both the sectors to make this uphill task possible and materialize. Every year there has been a considerable increment in the number of people travelling around the world.
However only infrastructure is not the only aspect that lures tourist from around the globe to travel to a certain destination it couples with other factors as well such as the culture and political harmony in the country, the projection of the country in the national and international media, many countries such as Rwanda, Ghana, and few South American countries due to its internal factors had not been number one choice of the tourist to visit there but through positive projection and highlighting of the most attractive things to do an see their the influx of tourists has been on the rise and millions of tourist each year are now travelling to these countries and putting them on their travel bucket lists.
It is important to prioritize and to seriously address and be purposively heedful of the poor quality of our infrastructure and bring it up to par with the modern world. We cannot close the gap overnight. But the effort must begin now with every policy, every program and every Rupee we put into infrastructure development.
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Since we do not have the money to spend on everything, obviously we have to prioritize public spending on infrastructure. The list of needs is long road systems, airports, ports, transport systems, sewage facilities, water supply systems, electrical installations, and other infrastructures vital to growth and quality of life. Therefore we need a coherent plan of action.
However, it is also important to note competitiveness relies on far more than just infrastructure. Emerging economies also have more work to do when it comes to improving business environments, addressing safety and security concerns and reducing travel barriers. Natural assets, which attract a significant number of visitors internationally, also need to be better protected. For example, South America and South-East Asia outscore the global average for natural resources by about 27% and 11%, respectively, but score below average for environmental sustainability. Consequently, many countries may be at risk of damaging the very assets that make great travel destinations. (Statistics source-World Bank)
Pakistan has been blessed with all kinds of natural beauty be it sea, river, terrains, mountains, green hills, glaciers, lakes etc, it is a potential travel hub and with efforts and measures taken up by the relevant stakeholders, the tourism industry in Pakistan can play major role in boosting the economy as well also boosting the image and the positive projection of Pakistan in international community as a safe and incredible travel destination.
[box type=”note” align=”” class=”” width=””]The writer is a researcher and freelance contributor[/box]