Domestic tourism registers record high in 2007
By Bushra Makhdoom

ISLAMABAD—Cognizant of the fact that the number of foreign tourists could not be increased until proactive involvement of natives is ensured with regard to exploring their own country, the tourism industry has come up with ambitious plan to boost domestic tourism that features some attractive packages at different fabulous sites.
Owing to this, domestic tourism registered a record high in2007 with country’s fascinating locations catering to a flux of nature lovers.
Figures provided by Tourism Ministry indicated a tremendoussurge that had been registered in the number of countrymen who wereexploring the enchanting beauty of the motherland.
“This is a very encouraging sign and we just want to further boost this activity,” said an official of the tourism ministry.
Keeping in view the interest of the people, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has launched Luxury Bus Service from Islamabad to picturesque Naran Valley.
The service ensures easy as well as economical access to thoselocations where travel expenses cost too much, barring almost the middlemen to get there.
PTDC would also introduce such steps that would beinstrumental in not only accelerating domestic tourism, but also attract foreign tourists as well.
Pakistan captures a unique position having five out of 14mountain peaks above 8000 metres, vast deserts, serene valleys,gush ing rivers, high altitude warm water lakes, diverse cultures andmuch more.
Government has declared the year 2007 as Destination Pakistan Year, and is holding a host of spectacular events throughout the country to market this immense tourism potential both at home and abroad.
Tourism is one of the biggest revenue generating industry in the world, however, Pakistan’s share is not up to the mark.
Effort are afoot to forge public-private partnership and make joint venture to enabling rich tourism industry of Pakistan to claim sizeable share in this multi-billion trade.