-: 7 :-
America generated 1,03,000 tourists in 2004, over 17000
more, showing 20.0 percent increase over 2003.
The Pacific & East Asian tourists numbered 60,000 reflecting
an increase of 16,000 or 36.8 percent more over 2003.
From the South Asian market, Pakistan received 1,60,000
tourists, showing an increase of 14,000 or 9.3 percent more
tourists.
The fifth largest tourist market was Middle East, which
generated 28,000 tourists, showing an increase of 9,000 more
tourists, a 45 percent growth over the previous year.
The African market generated 12,500 tourists, reflecting a
growth of 6.8 percent over 2003.
The factors attributable to growth in Tourist Arrivals in 2004:
Efforts made by the Government of Pakistan and our Foreign
Missions abroad to promote tourist friendly soft image of Pakistan as
a modern and enlightened country.
Improved socio-political relations with neighbouring countries
resulting from confidence building measures taken by the
government to promote Pakistan as a peace loving country. Air, Road
and Rail links between Pakistan and India were restored in the year
2004, and a major Cricket Series with India was played in Pakistan
boosting tourist traffic between both countries.
Improved Macro economic performance generated more trade
business and foreign direct investment in trade and services. During
the year 2004, over 80 new hotel establishments were added in the
Country.
Reversal or softening of negative travel advisories issued by a number
of tourist generating countries resulting in positive tourist-safe and
tourist permissive image of the country.
Umbrella
marketing
measures taken by the Ministry of Tourism in
cooperation with PTDC and private travel trade in successfully
celebrating the Golden Jubilee of K-2 and the 51
st
anniversary of
Nanga Parbat in the year 2004.