Abstract
A study survey was conducted in Gilgit-Baltistan, to investigate
the major cause of rapid turn down in the inflow of tourists,
which has adversely affected the tourism sector, since last
decade. We analyzed tourists’ inflow data, obtained from
Foreign Registration Office, Gilgit. A significant reduction, in
tourist inflow data, was observed since 1998, when inflow was 1,
13,399 tourists, with minimum inflow i.e., 2,000 tourists in 2002,
and 2,544 in 2009. Further, the linkage of this reduction in tourist
inflow with sectarianism, was investigated by conducting surveys
on cultural diversity; influences of sectarian clashes; war and
terror; and consequent changes in the ratio of incoming tourists,
to reach the final conclusion. The findings of our study showed,
that the prolonged local sectarian clashes seem to be the major
causes of tourism down fall. In addition to the sectarian clashes,
political instability; and war against terrorism in country, are the
apparent causes, which contribute to unconstructive marketing
for the distressed area. Revitalization of collapsed tourism sector
and opening of sustainable community-based ecotourism
initiatives through reformed policies, that address the mountain
concerns and cooperative action of all stakeholders, can tackle
challenges for tourism, which will ultimately root out unfavorable
circumstances that cause tension in this region.
Key words: Sectarianism, Gilgit-Baltistan, terrorism, tourism, Pakistan
Khalida Khan. (2012) Tourism downfall: sectarianism an apparent major cause, in GilgitBaltistan (GB), Pakistan , Journal of Political Studies, Volume 19, Issue 2.
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