Draft of AJK's Tourism Policy 2018 prepared

The Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) Tourism Department has prepared a draft Tourism Policy 2018 in consultation with all the stakeholders. The Tourism policy will then be finalized by a committee headed by Secretary Tourism and Archeology and consequently will be sent to Law Department for final vetting and further process.
The first National Tourism Policy, adopted in 1990, promoted investment in Tourism Sector through introduction of fiscal incentives and concessions. Realizing the importance of tourism for strengthening national economy, to promote employment, create national harmony, and enhance mutual understanding among people as well as with the people of other countries. National Tourism Policy - 2010 is being launched by the present Government. The Policy defines the role of the Government and the Private Sector in Tourism, provides strategies to achieve the long and short terms goals for the next 10 years. The Policy has been formulated after thorough consultations with all stake-holders in public and private sector and their valuable input has been incorporated in the Policy. In view of the decision of devolving tourism subject under 18th Amendment to the provinces, it was decided that Provinces, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), AJK and GB to nominate one senior officer to finalize the draft of new National Tourism Policy.
Tourism is a major global industry playing a significant role in the economies of many developed and developing countries. Its importance cannot be over stated and Pakistan needs to fulfill its potential for attracting domestic and foreign tourists. Within this service oriented sector, Sustainable Tourism including Eco-Tourism is a vital sector that has the potential to contribute to the economic growth, development and employment creation while also leading to a sustainable management and conservation of ecological resources as well as life support systems. More recently, three trends have emerged: 'green tourism' to minimise environmental damage; tourism as a conservation tool (including community-based tourism); and preservation of cultural heritage. Under new Tourism policy, AJK government would initiate partnerships with business community to promote tourism destination. Facilitate partnerships between small business and the wider tourism industry and support micro finance aimed at promising small businesses which are without sufficient collateral or track record to attract commercial finance and are beyond the scope of development banks. The new policy also assists in the enhancement of linkages between tourism and other sectors.