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Islamic Nations Unite for Sustainable Tourism Transformation

Despite its potential, the Islamic world faces various challenges in fully harnessing the benefits of tourism.

Secretary Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Development (ICCD) Yousef Hassan Khalawi addressing, during opening ceremony during the Sustainable Tourism Forum Organized by ICCD and FPCCI at a local hotel. APP/AMH/TZD/ABB

Sustainable tourism is rapidly gaining momentum across the globe, with nations recognizing its immense potential for economic growth, cultural exchange, and environmental preservation. In the Islamic world, tourism holds particular significance due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant communities. With projections indicating that Muslim international arrivals could reach 230 million by 2028, generating an estimated $225 billion in expenditure, the need for a sustainable approach has never been more crucial.

Despite its potential, the Islamic world faces various challenges in fully harnessing the benefits of tourism. Countries in the region are often characterized by untapped tourism resources, limited infrastructure, and environmental concerns. Nonetheless, initiatives are underway to foster collaboration and address these obstacles. A significant step was recently taken in Karachi, where a “Sustainable Tourism Forum” was organized by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Development (ICCD). The forum brought together industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss sustainable tourism strategies and explore innovative solutions.

A message from Hussein Brahim Taha, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), set the tone for the event. He extended sincere gratitude to Pakistan for hosting this valuable forum and acknowledged the country’s consistent efforts to promote a sustainable Islamic tourism industry. Taha highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, emphasizing that such partnerships are essential for advancing sustainability. He also underscored the critical role tourism plays in cultural exchanges, stating that the sector contributes billions of dollars to the global economy.

Ghulam Hussain Mozaffari, Governor of Khorasan Razavi Province in Iran, attended the forum as the Guest of Honor and shared his insights on the significance of sustainable tourism. He emphasized that sustainability in tourism is not merely a project but an ongoing process aimed at countering the dehumanization of the human environment. According to Mozaffari, sustainable tourism involves minimizing negative impacts while maximizing positive outcomes, creating a balanced approach that benefits both tourists and host communities.

Yousef Hasan Khalawi, Secretary of the ICCD, highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in overcoming challenges in the tourism sector. He described the forum as a new platform for collective efforts, urging participants to come together and agree on solutions for the challenges that may arise in their journey to promote tourism, culture, arts, and sustainability. Khalawi stressed that tourism is a competitive market requiring robust infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and a strong hospitality sector. He remarked that tourism means enjoying a new experience every time a place is visited, emphasizing the need for continuous development to keep destinations attractive.

Pakistan, as a case study, offers a unique perspective on the potential and challenges of sustainable tourism in the Islamic world. With its diverse landscapes ranging from the towering peaks of the north to the historic sites of the south, Pakistan has immense tourism potential, Khalawi added.

However, recent statistics reveal a fluctuating trend in the country’s tourism sector. In 2020, Pakistan recorded 765,000,000 international tourist visits, marking a 22.88% decline from 2019. The previous year, 2019, saw 992,000,000 visits, a 17.4% increase from 2018. In 2018, the figure stood at 845,000,000, a 2.31% decline from 2017. These numbers highlight the need for sustained efforts to revive and expand tourism in the country.

The discussions at the forum highlighted several key challenges facing the tourism sector in Islamic countries. One of the most pressing issues is inadequate infrastructure. Many tourist destinations in the region lack proper transport, accommodation, and communication facilities, making it difficult for tourists to access and enjoy these locations. Security concerns also pose a significant barrier, with political instability and security threats deterring potential visitors.

Another major challenge is the limited marketing and promotion of tourism in Islamic countries. Despite their rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, these destinations are often under-promoted on global platforms, resulting in lower international tourist arrivals. Environmental degradation is also a growing concern, with unsustainable tourism practices leading to damage to natural landscapes and ecosystems. Additionally, complex visa and travel restrictions hinder the flow of international tourists, creating further obstacles to the growth of the tourism sector.

To address these challenges, the forum participants proposed several solutions. Investment in infrastructure was identified as a critical priority. Developing world-class transport, accommodation, and communication facilities would make destinations more accessible and appealing to tourists. Enhanced security measures were also emphasized as essential for ensuring the safety of both tourists and host communities.

Marketing campaigns were recommended to promote tourism in Islamic countries on a global scale. These campaigns should highlight the unique cultural and natural attractions of the region, as well as the hospitality of its people. Sustainability initiatives were also encouraged, with a focus on adopting eco-friendly practices to minimize the environmental impact of tourism. Streamlined visa processes were suggested as a way to attract more international tourists and make travel to Islamic countries more convenient.

The forum concluded on a hopeful note, with participants expressing a strong commitment to working together to overcome challenges and harness the immense potential of sustainable tourism. The insights and recommendations shared during the event are expected to pave the way for a more collaborative and innovative approach to tourism development in the Islamic world.

As Islamic countries continue to invest in infrastructure, security, and marketing, the future of tourism in the region looks promising. With a strong commitment to sustainability, cultural preservation, and economic growth, these nations are poised to become major players in the global tourism industry. The “Sustainable Tourism Forum” in Karachi served as a valuable platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for tourism in the Islamic world.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.

 

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