THE IMPACT OF TOURISM ON HERITAGE SITES

BY GHANIA QURESHI ( ROLL NO.15)

INTRODUCTION

Tourism, the act and process of spending time away from home in pursuit of
recreation, relaxation, and pleasure, while making use of the commercial
provision of services. As such, tourism is a product of modern social
arrangements, beginning in western Europe in the 17th century, although it
has antecedents in Classical antiquity.
Tourism in Pakistan is a growing industry. According to the World Economic
Forum's Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017, the direct
contribution of travel and tourism to Pakistan's GDP in 2015 was US$328.3
million, constituting 2.8% of the total
GDP. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the direct contribution
of travel and tourism to Pakistan's GDP in 2016 was Rs. 793 billion (equivalent to
Rs. 4.0 trillion or US$14 billion in 2021), constituting 2.7% of the total GDP. By
2025, the government predicts tourism will contribute Rs. 1 trillion (US$3.5 billion)
to the Pakistani economy. Major tourist attractions in Pakistan include the ruin of
Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, the Himalayan hill stations.[19] Pakistan is home to
several mountain peaks over 7,000 meters (23,000 feet), including K2, which
draw adventurers and mountaineers from around the world.[20] The north of
Pakistan has many old fortresses, ancient architecture and the Hunza and Chitral
valleys, which are home to small Kalash communities and Fairy Meadows, and
the Diamer District of Gilgit Baltistan. Punjab province has the historic city
Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital, with many examples of Mughal architecture
such as Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Jahangir and Lahore Fort.
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an
international convention administered by the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are
designated by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other forms
of significance. The sites are judged to contain "cultural and natural heritage
around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity"
To be selected, a World Heritage Site is nominated by their host country and
determined by the international committee to be a unique landmark which is
geograd physically anhistorically identifiable and having a special cultural or
physical significance. For example, World Heritage Sites might be ancient ruins
or historical structures, buildings, cities,[a] deserts, forests, islands, lakes,
monuments, mountains, or wilderness areas.[5][6] A World Heritage Site may
signify a remarkable accomplishment of
humanity, and serve as evidence of our intellectual history on the planet, or it
might be a place of great natural beauty

HERITAGE SITES IN PAKISTAN:

1.SHALIMAR GARDEN, LAHORE
The Shalamar Gardens (Punjabi, Urdu: ‫باغ شاالمار‬, romanized: Shālāmār Bāgh)
are a Mughal garden complex located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. The gardens
date from the period when the Mughal Empire was at its artistic and aesthetic
zenith, and are now one of Pakistan's most popular tourist destinations.

The Shalimar Gardens were laid out as a Persian paradise garden intended to
create a representation of an earthly utopia in which humans co-exist in perfect
harmony with all elements of nature. Construction of the gardens began in 1641
during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, and was completed in 1642. In 1981
the Shalimar Gardens were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as they
embody Mughal garden design at the apogee of its development.
These are two masterpieces from the time of the brilliant Mughal civilization,
which reached its height during the reign of the Emperor Shah Jahan. The fort
contains marble palaces and mosques decorated with mosaics and gilt. The
elegance of these splendid gardens, built near the city of Lahore on three
terraces with lodges, waterfalls and large ornamental ponds, is unequaled .The
inscribed property includes two distinct royal complexes, the Lahore Fort and the
Shalimar Gardens, both located in the City of Lahore, at a distance of 7 km. from
each other. The two complexes – one characterized by monumental structures
and the other by extensive water gardens - are outstanding examples of Mughal
artistic expression at its height, as it evolved during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Mughal civilisation, a fusion of Islamic, Persian, Hindu and Mongol sources
(from whence the name Mughal derives) dominated the Indian subcontinent for
several centuries and strongly influenced its subsequent development.

The Lahore Fort, situated in the north-west corner of the Walled City of Lahore,
occupies a site which has been occupied for several millenia. Assuming its
present configuration during the 11th century, the Fort was destroyed and rebuilt
several times by the early Mughals during the 13th to the 15th centuries. The 21
monuments which survive within its boundaries comprise an outstanding
repertory of the forms of Mughal architecture from the reign of Akbar
(1542-1605), characterized by standardized masonry of baked brick and red
sandstone courses relieved by Hindu motifs including zooomorphic corbels,
through that of Shah Jahan (1627-58), characterized by the use of luxurious
marbles, inlays of precious materials and mosaics, set within exuberant
decorative motifs of Persian origins.

Akbar’s efforts are exemplified in the Masjidi Gate flanked by two bastions and
the Khana-e-Khas-o-Am (Public and Private Audience Hall). Akbar’s successor,
Jahangir, finished the large north court (1617-18) begun by Akbar and, in
1624-25, decorated the north and north-west walls of the Fort. Shah Jahan
added a fairy tale-like complex of buildings surrounding the Court of Shah Jahan
(Diwan-e-Kas, Lal Burj, Khwabgah-e-Jahangiri, and the Shish Mahal, 1631-32,
one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, sparkling with mosaics of glass,
gilt, semi-precious stones and marble screening).

The Shalimar Gardens, constructed by Shah Jahan in 1641-2 is a Mughal

garden, layering Persian influences over medieval Islamic garden traditions, and
bearing witness to the apogee of Mughal artistic expression. The Mughal garden
is characterized by enclosing walls, a rectilinear layout of paths and features, and
large expanses of flowing water. The Shalimar Gardens cover 16 hectares, and is
arranged in three terraces descending from the south to the north. The regular
plan, enclosed by a crenelated wall of red sandstone, disposes square beds on
the upper and lower terraces and elongated blocks on the narrower, intermediate
terrace; within, elegant pavilions balance harmoniously arranged poplar and
cypress trees, reflected in the vast basins of water.

Authenticity
The property in general maintains the authentic layout, forms, design and
substance of both complexes and the constituent layouts, elements and features
associated with the Mughal artistic and aesthetic expressions of the 16th and
17th century. Maintaining authenticity of workmanship necessitates that
contemporary repair and conservation work use and revive traditional techniques
and materials.

However authenticity of function and of setting has been eroded over time: the
original function of these royal complexes has been replaced by public visitation
and tourism, and the larger setting of both complexes now accommodates the
traffic circulation and functional needs of the contemporary city of Lahore.

Design and layout

The middle level terrace of the garden, known as the Faiz Bakhsh terrace, was
the Emperor's garden.
Mughal Gardens were based upon Timurid gardens built in Central Asia and Iran
between the 14th and 16th century.A high brick wall richly decorated with
intricate
fretwork encloses the site in order to allow for the creation of a Charbagh
paradise garden - a microcosm of an earthly utopia.

The Shalimar Gardens are laid out in the form of a rectangle aligned along a
north–south axis, and measure 658 meters by 258 meters, and cover an area of
16 hectares. Each terrace level is 4–5 meters (13–15 feet) higher than the
previous level.

The uppermost terrace of the gardens is named Bagh-e-Farah Baksh, literally

meaning Bestower of Pleasure. The second and third terraces are jointly known
as the Bagh-e-Faiz Baksh, meaning Bestower of Goodness. The first and third
terraces are both shaped as squares, while the second terrace is a narrow
rectangle.

Shalimar's main entrance was onto the lowermost terrace, which was open to
noblemen, and occasionally to the public.The middle terrace was the Emperor's
Garden, and contained the most elaborate waterworks of any Mughal garden.
The highest terrace was reserved for the Emperor's harem.

The square shaped terraces were both divided into four equivalent smaller
squares by long fountains flanked by brick khayaban walkways designed to be
elevated in order to provide better views of the garden. Cascades were made to
flow over marble paths in what are known as chadors, or "curtains" into the
middle terrace. Water collected into a large pool, known as a haūz, over which a
seating pavilion was made

Protection and management requirements

The World Heritage property is protected under the Antiquities Act (1975),
administered until 2005 by the Department of Archaeology, Pakistan. At that time,
management responsibility for the property was delegated from the national level
to the provincial level; and the Directorate General of Archaeology, Punjab
(DGoA,P) took on overall responsibility for property management. The DGoA,P is
working within the guidelines laid down in the two Master Plans established for
Lahore Fort and the Shalimar Gardens, and with project financing made available
by the Government of Punjab in a “Five Year Programme for Preservation and
Restoration of Lahore Fort” and a “Five Year Programme for the Preservation and
Restoration of Shalimar Gardens” launched in 2006-2007. The DGoA, P is also
being supported in its management efforts by a Steering Committee to guide
implementation of planned projects, a Technical Committee to supervise
conservation activities and to develop a “conservation plan” on the basis of
priorities established in the Master Plans, and a Punjab Heritage Foundation to
attempt to provide a permanent source of funding.

The placing of this property on the World Heritage List in Danger has highlighted
many threats to the Outstanding Universal Value of the property, and its integrity
and authenticity. These include ongoing degradation of the tangible features of
the property, insufficient ability to monitor and control urban encroachments on
and adjacent to the property, and insufficient ability to control the actions of other
agencies which could impact on the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.

The key components of the management response to sustain and protect its
Outstanding Universal Value, integrity and authenticity, and to address the above
threats include efforts to extend the boundaries of the inscribed area and its
buffer zone, to complete and implement the Master Plans for Lahore Fort and
Shalamar Gardens, to strengthen local community and institutional awareness of
the values of the property and the primary sources of its vulnerability, and to
improve coordination mechanisms among all stakeholders whose actions could
affect the Outstanding Universal Value of the property, in particular national and
local authorities involved in carrying out public works and promoting and
managing tourism on the property.

DATA METHODOLOGY
Mughal Garden Nishat has seen a total of 121049 visits with 96466 domestic
tourists and 24500 locals and 83 foreigners in April and May. The total number of
visits to the Shalimar garden stood at 77796, with the number of foreign tourists
at 83. The number of Indian visitors to Shalimar garden was 66931

2.takht i bahi

Takht-i-Bahi (Pashto/Urdu: ‫ت تخ‬

ِ ‫باہی‬, lit. 'throne of the water spring'), is an
Indo-Parthian archaeological site of an ancient Buddhist monastery in Mardan,
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The site is considered among the most
important relics of Buddhism in all of what was once Gandhara, and has been
"exceptionally well-preserved."
The monastery was founded in the 1st century CE] and was in use until the 7th
century. The complex is regarded by archaeologists as being particularly
representative of the architecture of Buddhist monastic centers from its
era.Takht-i-Bahi was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

A monastery under the domain of Purushapura which was also a center for
Buddhist learning, the origin of the name Takht-i-Bahi is uncertain. Local belief
postulates that the site got its name from two wells on the hill, or the springs
nearby. In Persian, Takht means 'top' or 'throne' while bahi means 'spring' or
'water'. When combined, its meaning is 'spring from the top' or 'high spring', and
there were two springs on the top of mountains. Another meaning suggested is
'throne of origin'.
Another suggested etymology explains it seems that the name Takht-i-Bahi was
given to this monastery complex after the Muslims settled in the region. The word
"Bahi" (‫( بهی‬or "Behhi" is neither Pashto nor Persian, and in one sense in Arabic
"Bahi" means beautiful and bright. In another sense "Bahi" (‫( بهی‬means "‫البیت بهی‬
ً
‫بهیا‬: the house which is empty and abandoned", therefore, the "Takht-i-Bahi"
(Takht = castle, palace) means a castle where in there no longer is settled a king
and has remained abandoned.
The Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at
Sahr-i-Bahlol are one of the most imposing relics of Buddhism in the Gandhara
region of Pakistan. The inscribed property is composed of two distinct
components both dating from the same era.

The Buddhist Ruins of Takhi-i-Bahi (Throne of Origins) are a monastic complex,

founded in the early 1st century A.D., is spectacularly positioned on various
hilltops ranging from 36.6 metres to 152.4 metres in height, typical for Buddhist
sites. The complexes cover an area of around 33ha.

The Buddhist monastery was in continual use until the 7th century AD. It is
composed of an assemblage of buildings and is the most complete Buddhist
monastery in Pakistan. The buildings were constructed of stone in Gandhara
patterns (diaper style) using local dressed and semi-dressed stone blocks set in
a lime and mud mortar.

Today the ruins comprise a main stupa court, votive stupas court, a group of
three stupas, the monastic quadrangle with meditation cells, conference hall,
covered stepped passageways and other secular buildings.

The second component, the Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol, is

located approximately 5 km away in a fertile plain. The Sahr-i-Bahlol ruins are the
remnants of a small ancient fortified town of the Kushan period. The town is set
on an elongated mound up to 9 metres high and surrounded by portions of the
defensive walls in “diaper” style characteristic of the first two or three centuries
A.D. The area covered is 9.7 hectares.

STRUCTURE

There are four main areas of the Takht Bahi complex:

The Stupa Court, a cluster of stupas located in a central courtyard. The
monastic chambers, consisting of individual cells arranged around a
courtyard, assembly halls, and a dining area.
A temple complex, consisting of stupas and similar to the Stupa Court, but of
later construction.The Tantric monastic complex, which consists of small, dark
cells with low openings, which may have been used for certain forms of Tantric
meditation.
Additional structures on the site may have served as residences or meeting halls,
or for secular purposes. All of the buildings on the site are constructed from local
stone, and are mortared with lime and mud.
HISTORY
Archaeologists have divided the history of the complex into four periods,
beginning in the 1st century BCE.
The monastic complex was likely founded in the early 1st century CE. It is proven
by an inscriptions found bearing the name of Gondophares (20–46 CE).After
Gondophares, the area fell under control of Kujula Kadphises, the first Kushan
king. This first era continued until the 2nd century CE, and is associated with
another Kushan king Kanishka, as well as early Parthian and subsequent Kushan
kings. The second construction period, which included the creation of the Stupa
Court and assembly hall, took place during the 3rd and 4th centuries CE. A third
construction period, associated with the later Kushan dynasty and the Kidara
Kushana rulers, occurred during the 4th and 5th centuries.

The region was subjugated by Huns in middle of fifth century CE which ended
the Kushan rule. The Hun Toramana and then his son Mihirakula slaughtered the
inhabitants of the Gandhara region and destroyed most if not all Buddhist
monasteries. Evidence suggests that Takht-i-Bahi was destroyed in the same
period of destruction by the Huns, however the complex appears to have been in
use until 7th century CE.
The first modern historical reference to these ruins was made in 1836 by a
French officer who referred to the Buddhist remains in a village named
Mazdoorabad. Explorations and excavations on the site began in 1864.A
significant number of objects can be found in the British Museum. The site
underwent a major restoration in the 1920s.

Authenticity

The Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi has high authenticity of setting as it continues

to occupy its original hilltop location. Authenticity of form and design has been
preserved and the layout of the monastic complex and buildings are visible.
Authenticity of materials as well as traditions and techniques of construction is
retained in the stone construction in Gandhara patterns (diaper style). The stone
sculptures were removed to the Peshawar Museum and the stone inscription of
the Gondophares is preserved in the Lahore Museum.

The neighbouring ancient city remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol is endangered by urban

expansion. The original sculptures from the site have been removed and are
housed in the Peshawar Museum. The Management Plan notes the lack of
documentation and the lack of a skilled workforce of artisans trained in the
traditional techniques of diaper pattern.

Protection and management requirements

Both component parts of the Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighboring City
Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol were identified as protected monuments under the
Ancient Preservation Act (1904) and subsequently under the Antiquity Act (1975)
of the Federal Government of Pakistan. Proposals are under consideration to
amend and strengthen the Antiquities Act. The Takht-i-Bahi ruins are owned by
the federal Department of Archaeology, and the Sahr-i-Bahlol ruins are private
property, owned by the local Khans.The government has established a Sub
Regional Office with appropriate professional, technical and watch ward staff and
have allocated financial resources through an annual budget. As well a public
sector development programme is provided to maintain and preserve the site by
regular and rigorous repair and conservation programmes. Management
responsibilities lie with the Provincial Department of Archaeology (Province of
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) situated in Peshawar. A Master Plan for the Buddhist
Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighboring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol was
prepared in 2011. Intended as a working document for site custodians, it is also
designed to provide a detailed holistic framework for the conservation of the
inscribed property and sets out principles for management by means of a
prioritized plan of action covering a number of areas of concern from site
conservation to visitor management.The threat of urbanization identified above,
indicates that the boundaries of the property are inadequate. As a result a
revision of the property boundaries is being seriously considered along with the
intention to acquire the land around the site and to create a larger buffer zone. In
an effort to control urbanization, the entire mountain area of 445 hectares was
recently declared the “Archaeological Reserve” by the provincial government of
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. There remains a need for more adequate documentation
of the remains and for enhanced capacity building for craftsmen in traditional
building techniques.
3.THATTA
Near the apex of the delta of the Indus River in Pakistan’s southern province of
Sindh is an enormous cemetery possessing half a million tombs and graves in an
area of about 10 km2. Massed at the edge of the 6.5 km-long plateau of Makli
Hill, the necropolis of Makli – which was associated with the nearby city of
Thatta, once a capital and centre of Islamic culture – testifies in an outstanding
manner to the civilization of the Sindh from the 14th to the 18th centuries.

The vast necropolis of Makli is among the largest in the world. Kings, queens,
governors, saints, scholars, and philosophers are buried here in brick or stone
monuments, some of which are lavishly decorated with glazed tiles. Among the
outstanding monuments constructed in stone are the tombs of Jam Nizamuddin
II, who reigned from 1461 to 1509, and of lsa Khan Tarkhan the Younger and of
his father, Jan Baba, both of whose mausolea were constructed before 1644. The
most colourful is that of Diwan Shurfa Khan (died in 1638). The unique
assemblage of massive structures presents an impressive order of monumental
buildings in different architectural styles. These structures are notable for their
fusion of diverse influences into a local style. These influences include, among
others, Hindu architecture of the Gujrat style and Mughal imperial architecture.
Distant Persian and Asian examples of architectural terra-cotta were also brought
to Makli and adapted. An original concept of stone decoration was created at
Makli, perhaps determined by the imitation of painted and glazed tile models. The
historical monuments at the necropolis of Makli stand as eloquent testimonies to
the social and political history of the Sindh.
Makli Necropolis is located in the town of Makli, which is located on a plateau
approximately 6 kilometers from the city of Thatta, the capital of lower Sindh until
the 17th century.[4] It lies approximately 98 km east of Karachi, near the apex of
the Indus River Delta in southeastern Sindh. The southernmost point of the site is
approximately 5 miles north of the ruins of the medieval Kallankot Fort.

The site, and nearby hills, are said to derive their name from a legend in which a
Hajj pilgrim stopped at the site and erupted into spiritual ecstasy, declaring the
site to be Makkah for him. The Sufi saint Sheikh Hamad Jamali is then said to
have named the site "Makli", or "Little Makkah", after hearing the story of the
pilgrim.

The Sufi saint, poet and scholar Shaikh Jamali established a khanqah, or Sufi
gathering site, at Makli and was eventually buried there. The 14th century
Samma ruler, Jam Tamachi, venerated the saint and wished to be interred near
the saint, beginning the tradition of using Makli as a funerary site.
The site rose to prominence as a major funerary site during the rule of the
Samma dynasty, who had made their capital near Thatta.
The most architecturally significant tombs at the site date from around the time of
the Mughal era, between 1570 and 1640 CE.

LAYOUT
Makli Necropolis occupies 10 square kilometres, housing at least 500,000
tombs.[2] It stretches from Pir Patho at the southern end of the Makli Hills,
northward in a roughly diamond shape.[6] Its eastern edge is formed by the Makli
Hills ridge. The largest monuments are generally found at the southern edge of
the site, though the Samma tombs are found in the north.

The funerary architecture of the largest monuments synthesizes Muslim, Hindu,

Persian, Mughal, and Gujarati influences, in the style of Lower Sindh that
became known as the Chaukhandi style, named after the Chaukhandi tombs
near Karachi. The Chaukhandi style came to incorporate slabs of sandstone that
were carefully carved by stonemasons into intricate and elaborate designs.
The earliest tombs displayed three to six slabs of stone stacked on top of one
another into the shape of a small pyramid. Evolving funerary architecture then
incorporated small plinths.
By the 15th century, decorated rosettes and circular patterns began to be
incorporated into the tombs. More complex patterns and Arabic calligraphy with
biographical information of the interred body then emerged. Larger monuments
dating from later periods included corridors and some designs inspired by
cosmology.

Many cenotaphs are intricately carved.

Pyramidal structures from the 16th century feature the use of minarets topped
with floral motifs in a style unique to tombs dating from the Turkic Trakhan
dynasty. Structures from the 17th century at the Leilo Sheikh part of the
cemetery feature large tombs that resemble Jain temples from afar, with
prominent influence from the nearby region of Gujarat.

Several of the larger tombs feature carvings of animals, warriors, and weaponry –
a practice uncommon to Muslim funerary monuments. Later tombs at the site are
sometimes made entirely of brick, with only a sandstone slab.

The largest structures in the most archetypal Chaukhandi style feature domed
yellow sandstone canopies that were plastered white with wooden doorways, in a
style that reflects Central Asian and Persian influences. The size of the dome
denoted the prominence of the buried individual, with undersides embellished
with carved floral patterns. The underside of some canopies feature lotus flowers,
a symbol commonly associated with Hinduism.

Some tombs came to feature extensive blue tile-work typical of Sindh.The

use of funerary pavilions eventually expanded beyond lower Sindh, and
influenced funerary architecture in neighboring Gujarat.
Authenticity
The historical monuments at Makli, Thatta, are authentic in terms of their forms
and design, materials and substance, and locations and setting. Because
elements of the property are in an advanced state of decay and disintegration,
however, the authenticity of the property is threatened, particularly concerning
the materials and forms of the monuments. Unless scientific action is taken to
reduce the threats to the property, irremediable damage will be caused.

Protection and management requirements

The Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta, is a protected antiquity in terms of the

Antiquities Act, 1975, passed by the Parliament of the Islamic Republic of
Pakistan. The Constitution (18th Amendment) Act 2010 (Act No. X of 2010),
bestowed the Government of Sindh with full administrative and financial authority
over all heritage sites located in its province. The Culture Department of the
Provincial Government of Sindh is responsible for the management and
protection of the Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta. The site is staffed by a
curator, archaeological conservator, technical assistant, supporting staff, and
attendants. Funding comes from the Provincial Government of Sindh; this
funding is recognised as inadequate.

Sustaining the Outstanding Universal Value of the property over time will require
developing and implementing an emergency action plan to address urgent
measures necessary for the security and the stabilization of structures;
completing, approving, and implementing the Comprehensive Master Plan and a
Management Plan for the property; defining the precise boundaries of the
property and the buffer zone; preparing a condition report for all monuments and
tombs; taking appropriate measures to stabilize the tomb of Jam Nizamuddin II;
and implementing an overall monitoring programme.

OBJECTIVE: PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Tourism Impacts. Tourism can generate positive or negative impacts under three
main categories: economic, social, and environmental. These impacts are
analyzed using data gathered by businesses, governments, and industry
organizations
In addition to generating income and jobs, the tourism industry also has a
major impact on infrastructure – including airports, railways and roads, utilities,
telecommunications and more. These facilities not only improve the experience
of visiting travelers, but the quality of life of the locals.

There are many social benefits of tourism, demonstrating positive social impacts.
These might include; preserving the local culture and heritage; strengthening
communities; provision of social services; commercialisation of culture and art;
revitalisation of customs and art forms and the preservation of heritage

Cultural heritage has huge importance for a country’s development. It provides

economical gains, protects a state’s identity, and pride, and reminds people of
their common history and progress. Many types of research have been done
recently which demonstrate the crucial importance of cultural heritage to
societies and its great potential to contribute to a country’s social, economic, and
environmental goals. Not only does cultural heritage enable sustainable
development in terms of economic growth, such as increased tourism and local
jobs, but it also enhances the inhabitants’ sense of identity and a feeling of
connection.

The impact of tourism on the economy of Pakistan has been substantial, with the
industry contributing significantly to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
According to a recent study, the tourism industry in Pakistan generated
approximately $19.5 billion in revenue in 2021, which represents approximately
4% of the country’s GDP. This revenue is generated through various channels,
including travel and tourism services, accommodation, food and beverage, and
souvenir sales.
Tourism has also created a large number of jobs in Pakistan, both directly and
indirectly. Direct jobs are those that are directly related to the tourism industry,
such as hotel and restaurant staff, tour guides, and transportation providers.
Indirect jobs are those that are created by the impact of the tourism industry,
such as jobs in retail, construction, and manufacturing. According to recent
estimates, the tourism industry in Pakistan directly employs over 1 million people,
and indirectly supports many more.
In addition to generating revenue and creating jobs, tourism also has a positive
impact on the balance of payments in Pakistan. The industry is a major source of
foreign exchange, with visitors to the country bringing in much-needed foreign
currency. This foreign currency is then used to pay for imported goods and
services. which helps to improve the country’s balance of payments. One of the
most notable benefits of tourism in Pakistan is its ability to promote cultural
exchange and understanding. Visitors to the country are exposed to a rich and
diverse cultural heritage, which helps to promote a greater understanding and
appreciation of different cultures. This cultural exchange can also lead to greater
peace and stability in the region, as it helps to break down cultural barriers and
promote greater understanding between people.

Some of the key problems facing the industry include:

Infrastructure Deficiencies: One of the biggest challenges facing the tourism
industry in Pakistan is the lack of proper infrastructure. This includes inadequate
transportation facilities, limited numbers of quality hotels and restaurants, and a
lack of modern facilities for tourists. These shortcomings make it difficult for
tourists to travel around the country and experience all that it has to offer.
Safety Concerns: Pakistan has faced a number of security challenges in recent
years, and this has led to concerns about the safety of tourists visiting the
country. The government has taken steps to improve security, but the perception
of danger still persists, which discourages many tourists from visiting. Political
Instability: Political instability and tensions between various ethnic and religious
groups can also be a barrier to the growth of tourism in Pakistan. Tourists are
often hesitant to visit countries that are perceived as being politically unstable,
and this can have a negative impact on the country’s reputation and its ability to
attract visitors.

Poor Promotion and Marketing: Despite its many attractions, Pakistan has not
been successful in promoting itself as a tourist destination to the wider world. The
country lacks a comprehensive marketing strategy, and this has hindered its
ability to compete with other countries in attracting visitors.

Environmental Concerns: The rapid growth of the tourism industry in Pakistan

has put pressure on the country’s fragile environment. Many tourist sites are
located in areas with sensitive ecosystems, and the influx of visitors can lead to
environmental degradation and harm to wildlife.
In order to overcome these challenges, the Pakistani government needs to take a
comprehensive approach to develop the tourism industry. This should include
investing in infrastructure and tourism facilities, improving safety and security,
and promoting the country as a tourist destination. and ensuring that tourism is
sustainable and does not harm the environment. With the right strategies and
investments, the tourism industry in Pakistan has the potential to be a major
driver of economic growth and development for the country.

Pakistan is blessed with a huge number of ancient and historic places. These
places keep us linked to our past and conserve our culture and customs for
centuries. Pakistan is a treasury of ancient culture and customs through
centuries.Pakistan has a vast range of prospects for cultural, religious,
adventures, and other types of tourism in the country and can be promoted by
using the heritage of ancient times as well as medieval periods. The
archeological archaeological perspectives (material and non-material cultural
aspects) of ancient and medieval societies are the heritage of Pakistan and it
may be used for the promotion of tourist activities in the country. It also
presented
a view that international as well as domestic tourists have to face a number of
difficulties and challenges which must be addressed and resolved on priority
basis. The departments and authorities concerned with the tourism industry must
address difficulties faced by tourists and have to resolve the issue on priority
basis.
Various kinds of research have been made which tell us how important cultural
heritage is for a society’s social and cultural development. Not only it has helped
in sustainable development i.e., an increase in tourism and employment rate but
it also gives the locals a sense of recognition and connection with another world.
Cultural heritage helps labor make up 60-70% of conservation costs, increases
tourism which lowers poverty, empowers youth women, and gives migrants a
better lifestyle.

Preserving cultural heritage has never been a priority for the Pakistan
government’s annual budget plan. Due to the high tourism potential in Pakistan,
SPO under its Cultural Heritage Preservation and Tourism Programme has
proposed some measures to increase the acceptance and conservation of
cultural tourism in Pakistan.
These three departments work on the protection of cultural heritage and
employment generation by attracting people to their tourism sites. Punjab has
recognized the economic worth of its culture and is investing in it. But at the end
of the day, all success can only be achieved by proper management and the
functioning of the government.

Pakistan needs massive financial resources, administrative capacity and

effective governance to protect and promote its cultural heritage which is also
going to help in economic growth. Despite the fact that the provinces mentioned
above have contributed a lot in its favor, still there are many more measures that
need to be taken as Pakistan is a country rich in culture and it’s a vital part of
our identity. Cultural heritage has the potential of becoming the leading sector to
generate our economic growth by remaining consistent and improving
management of the tourism department.

MODEL SPECIFICATION
 The model specification of our study, the impact of tourism on heritage sites may
include a model of how positively or negatively tourism may infect an area, as it
brings thousands of people annually there are bound to be both positive and
negative effects ;

There are some factors that include both positive and negative views regarding
tourism.The four major factors of tourism are

1. Economic impact
2. Environmental impact
3. Social impact
4. Cultural impact

Positive effects of tourism;

1.ECONOMIC

Tourism generates income for a variety of businesses and creates a wide range
of employment opportunities. At the global scale, tourism is seen as one of the
world’s largest and fastest growing industries. This trend has continued
throughout the last 50 years. Within the United Kingdom, it is estimated that
inbound tourism generates about £19 billion each year. Domestic tourism,
including day trips and staying visits, generates over £60 billion per year. In
terms of employment, it is estimated that in the United Kingdom 1.4 million jobs
are directly related to tourism. As well as generating employment and income,
another positive impact of tourism is improvements in infrastructure. These
include road and rail improvements, airport development and improvements in
utilities, such as water supply and telecommunications. Through these, local
people can benefit from the improved facilities which have been provided for
tourist

2.ENVIRONMENTAL
IT said that generally the case is that tourism has created more negative
impacts on the environment than positive impacts. However, increasing
awareness of the need for careful environmental management has helped to
reduce the negative impacts of tourism in recent years. There are a number of
ways in which tourism can have a positive impact on the environment of a
destination and in some cases, can be a force for environmental change.

3.SOCIAL

One of the major motivating factors for travel is to meet new people and learn
about different cultures and tourism often leads to a greater understanding
between people living in different societies. Very often, tourists benefit from new
and improved facilities which are provided for tourists. This may include
attractions and catering facilities – there is nothing stopping people living in a
tourist destination from enjoying themselves in restaurants or visiting attractions
built mainly for tourist use. Tourists will often gain a greater respect for the
lifestyle of the people living in the area they are visiting. Increased tourism also
leads to local communities improving their skills and improving their social
status. In well-managed tourism developments local people are encouraged to
undertake education and training to enable them to feel part of the development.

4.CULTURAL

In some cases, tourism may help to preserve traditional customs such as music,
dance and theater, as well as creating a demand for locally-produced foods and
drinks. Tourism can also stimulate the production and sale of local arts and
crafts to meet the needs of visitors and at the same time contribute to the
continuation of traditional crafts and skills. Tourism also has an important role to
play in reinforcing a region’s cultural identity

Negative effects of tourism

1.ECONOMIC
Local pVery often a large number of moving visitors into an area pushes up the
price of goods and services, meaning that local people have to pay more for
food, drinks, transport etc. It is often the case that in popular tourist areas shops
provide products for tourists more than they do for local people, meaning that
more gift shops and restaurants might open rather than shops providing goods
and services for people living in the area.P eople often have to pay additional
taxes to help finance additional services which are provided for tourists, such as
water treatment facilities and tourist information centers. Some holiday areas
have a large number of second homes which are only used for short periods of
the year by their owners. This is particularly the case in National Parks and
popular coastal areas. The demand for second homes often increases the prices
of all housing in the area, making it more difficult for local people, especially
young people, to buy their first property. Second home ownership is an example
of a negative economic impact of tourism which may be a cause of conflict
between local people and tourists. One of the most significant negative
economic impacts of tourism is the decline in traditional employment which
happens when workers move from industries such as farming, mining and
fishing into service jobs in the tourism industry. Another negative impact of
tourism is over-dependency. It may be that, as tastes and fashions change, or
due to any of a range of external pressures, the number of tourists visiting a
particular destination may decrease very suddenly, leading to a loss of
employment and businesses closing.

2.ENVIRONMENTAL

It has to be accepted that many forms of travel and tourism have a damaging
impact on the environment. Trains, cars, aircraft and ships all consume fuel and
produce emissions that cause atmospheric pollution which, in turn, contributes
to climate change. In recent years there has been a growing acceptance of the
harmful environmental impacts of travel, and more measures are now being
taken to help reduce these impacts. These include making aircraft and vehicles
more fuel efficient and experimenting with new types of fuel. In an increasing
number of destinations, such as historic cities and National Parks, schemes are
being introduced to reduce the amount of pollution and congestion caused by
motor vehicles. These include park and ride schemes and a number of ideas to
encourage visitors to use public transport. As well as environmental pollution
caused by travel and traffic, air pollution also causes damage to buildings and
noise pollution is an issue in busy resorts with lots of nightlife. Pollution is also
caused by tourists producing litter. This creates an eyesore on the landscape as
well as being a threat to the safety of people and animals. Water pollution is
another common issue which has been addressed in recent years. In the past,
many beaches were unsafe partly because of the fact that untreated sewage
was allowed to enter the sea near the beaches. The European Union blue flag
beach scheme has encouraged many local authorities to take measures to
reduce pollution and make the beaches safer. Congestion and overcrowding are
also commonly identified as negative environmental impacts of tourism.
Congestion is normally applied to the problems associated with too many cars
being within or traveling to a destination. Overcrowding occurs where the
volume of visitors at a destination increases to a point at which the enjoyment of
the destination is spoiled. This can occur 3 Impacts of Tourism when there are
too many people on a beach, walking around an historic town or trying to reach
a viewpoint at a natural attraction. The final category of negative environmental
impact is about destroying the natural landscape of an area. This includes the
process of erosion caused by walkers, horse-riders and other groups and the
loss of habitats of plants and animals.

3.SOCIAL

There are a number of negative social impacts which have been identified.
These are mainly related to conflict between the tourists and the host
community. These may result from the behavior of people living in the area who
resent the tourists taking over their community. However, it is often more
common that anti-social behavior from groups of tourists will be the cause of the
conflict. Negative social impacts also include increased crime in the area, such
as prostitution, illegal gambling and drug dealing and robbery. Very often, this is
not related to local people, but occurs as a result of criminal gangs moving into
the area to exploit tourists and sometimes local people as well. In some
destinations, local people have been obliged to move away from where they
have traditionally lived to make way for tourism development. Another common
issue is the matter of seasonal employment, or more realistically unemployment.
Many tourist areas are developing strategies to maintain a flow of visitors
throughout the year thus reducing the impact of seasonal unemployment. These
issues are more common in areas of mass tourism, in larger cities and in certain
destinations within the less developed world. There are many destinations
where there is little or no conflict between local people and tourists

4.CULTURAL

More people now recognise that tourism may bring about a loss of an area’s
cultural identity, especially in an area which has seen a rapid development of
mass tourism. It is easier to provide international food and drink with which
tourists are familiar rather than encouraging them to eat foods associated with
the area. This has not been helped by the global spread of fast food chains and
multinational brands of drinks. Another negative cultural impact of tourism is the
staging of events, dance or music specifically for tourists in a way which
demeans or makes fun of the local culture of the area, such as some Spanish
dancing. However, more and more tourists are becoming aware of their potential
impact on the culture and heritage of the area they are visiting, and visitors are
less willing to support activities which exploit local traditions and culture

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, tourism has become a vital sector of the Pakistani economy,

contributing significantly to the country's GDP, creating jobs, and improving
the balance of payments. and promoting cultural exchange and
understanding.
It can put enormous pressure on an area and lead to impacts such as soil
erosion, increased pollution, discharges into the sea, natural habitat loss,
increased pressure on endangered species and heightened vulnerability to
forest fires.
Tourism can be a great revenue stream, and economy boost if a community is
able to effectively manage it. There are instances that tourism can actually bring
a negative impact on a community as well. We will take a dive into the pros and
cons of tourism, and what it can mean for society. Tourists will often gain a
greater respect for the lifestyle of the people living in the area they are visiting.
Increased tourism also leads to local communities improving their skills and
improving their social status.
In some places, tourists produce up to twice as much waste as local residents.
This can put incredible strain on local waste management systems, causing
landfills and sewage plants to overflow.

In conclusion, tourism has become a vital sector of the Pakistani economy,

contributing significantly to the country’s GDP, creating jobs, and improving the
balance of payments. and promoting cultural exchange and understanding. The
Pakistani government is actively working to further develop the tourism industry,
through measures such as improving infrastructure, promoting cultural heritage,
and offering incentives for investment in the sector. With its rich natural beauty
and cultural heritage, Pakistan is poised to become one of the world’s leading
tourist destinations in the coming years, and this will bring significant benefits to
its economy and its people.

According to a recent study, the tourism industry in Pakistan generated

approximately $19.5 billion in revenue in 2021, which represents
approximately 4% of the country's GDP.

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