In December 2019, Pakistan topped Conde Nast Traveller’s list of best holiday destinations for 2020. There were a number of travel bloggers who had visited Pakistan in the last year capturing and expressing their wonderful experience on social media platforms with regards to the natural beauty, food and hospitality of the Pakistani people.
Tourism contributes almost 3% to Pakistan’s economy. However what was anticipated to be a growing industry bringing in revenue to the country has been hard hit by the pandemic. Whilst Covid-19 has affected all industries it has in particular had a devastating impact on global tourism and the hospitality industry.
The Pearl -Continental Hotel and Resorts chain in Pakistan had earlier updated its website stating that it was unable to take any reservations for stay at its Gwadar and Muzaffarabad locations.
Zaver Pearl -Continental Hotel Gwadar, Photo Credit: Farhat Kapadia Mehboob
The website of the 5 star Zaver Pearl-Continental Gwadar and Pear- Continental Hotel Mazaffarabd both stated earlier,
In compliance with the directives issued by the GOVERNMENT of Pakistan for containing Covid-19virus and in keeping with the health,safety and well being of our guests and associates, Zaver Pearl Continental Hotel Gwadar and Muzaffarabad will not be taking reservations till further notice
View from Zaver Pearl – Continental Hotel Gwadar, Photo : Farhat Kapadia Mehboob
However, the website now states that they are open for booking and are following strict SOPs.They have also appointed a Corporate Head of Hygiene, Sanitation and Health.
Mr Talha Qadir, CEO of a popular travel and tourism platform Battota.pk has asked viewers and travellers to raise awareness and provide support to the declining travel and tourism industry of Pakistan.
He states that many stakeholders from Pakistan’s tourism and travel industry have reached out to the government with their concerns and reservations. He says however nothing concrete has come out of this. He adds that for the northern areas the main season to earn their money for the year starts in summer ( typically June- October ). This is when domestic and foreign travellers visit the region. With Covid- 19, there is no tourism and hence no revenue earned to pay salaries to staff in the hospitality industry. This has impacted all affiliate industries linked to tourism including hotels, tour agencies, car rentals and restaurants.
“We don’t see any revival of this “
He has requested all Pakistanis to help revive the industry once the lockdown is lifted. Instead of spending money on travel to foreign destinations, he requests visiting the many beautiful areas in Pakistan that have yet to be explored.
