• Stakeholders criticise absence of official events
• Environmental activists warn unchecked tourism damaging fragile mountain ecosystems

GILGIT: World Tourism Day went largely unnoticed in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) on Saturday as tourism stakeholders expressed disappointment over the absence of official activities and environmental activists warned of growing threats to the region’s fragile ecosystem.

World Tourism Day, observed annually on Sept 27, highlights the social, cultural and economic importance of tourism.

GB is among Pakistan’s major tourist destinations, with approximately 60 per cent of the region’s population dependent on tourism for their livelihoods.

However, no event was organised by the government or tourism organisations to mark the day, leading to reservations among tour operators and others associated with the industry.

People linked to the tourism sector, including transporters, hotel and shop owners, porters and mountain guides, have also faced a decline in both foreign and domestic tourist arrivals amid higher fuel prices and the Iran-US conflict.

Tourist guide Asad Ali said the region had vast international tourism potential, but the sector remained neglected.

He said challenges facing the tourism industry had never been taken seriously, despite a large proportion of the population depending on it for their livelihood.

Tour operator Mohammad Hussain criticised both the government and private sector for failing to use World Tourism Day to highlight the importance of tourism and raise awareness about the challenges confronting the industry.

He said awareness sessions could have been organised to attract tourists.

Zahid Karim said successive governments had spent billions of rupees on participation in international events and foreign tours, but opportunities such as World Tourism Day were being missed to promote the region’s tourism potential.

Meanwhile, experts warned that the growing impact of climate change was putting increasing pressure on fragile mountain ecosystems.

GB is home to five of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks. Hundreds of foreign climbers attempt these peaks every year, but climbers say the frequency of avalanches, rockfalls and unpredictable weather has increased in recent years. This year, 13 foreign climbers, including 10 on Broad Peak, died after avalanches and rockfalls hit various expedition groups.

Dr Sana Jamil, an adventurer, highlighted the issue in a social media post, stressing that tourism could strengthen the socio-economic development of a cou­ntry but could also contribute to pollution.

Citing the United Nations Environment Programme, she said tourism generated about 1.3 billion tonnes of waste, accounting for around 4pc to 8pc of global waste.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasar said Pakistan could leverage its rich historical heritage, cultural diversity and natural landscapes to drive economic growth.

In his message on World Tourism Day, Mr Nasar said Pakistan was blessed with immense tourism potential, including natural landscapes, cultural diversity, historical heritage and religious sites.

Bakhtawar Mian in Islamabad also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2026