Why is GB Tourism Dept not active in Hunza, ask speakers during ‘Responsible Tourism’ seminar
Karimabad: Hunza Serena Inn, participated in the World Travel Market World Responsible Tourism Day (WTM WRTD) for the fifth time by organising a responsible tourism day session on the positive and negative impact of domestic tourism in Hunza. This year Hunza was one of the most visited districts. Whilst this was really good for the region’s economy, but the environmental hazards caused by excessive littering and pollution in the area.
In this context, Hunza Serena Inn held a debate on the current issue to be addressed proactively and raise awareness for the next season. Representatives of Hotel Association Hunza, Town Management Society Karimabad & Altit, Bazzar Association, Gems & Stone Association, Tour Operators, and NGOs officials, Numbardar of Altit, Baltit, Haiderabad and Aliabad attended the session. Mr. Amjad Ayub, Chairman KADO was also present.
The participants thanked the various writers, including Mustansar Hussain Tarad and Hamdani, and print and electronic media reporters who promote Hunza as an attractive tourism destination. The role of Hunza Police during the year was also appreciated by the speakers. The Boys scouts and Girls Guides and volunteers also play an active role in cleaning the area, and helping traffic flow during the peak season, said the speakers.
It was said that at the moment there are 80 tourist class hotels in Hunza, with 850 beds, employing around 450 people.
The participants also pointed out various social, environmental and other issues, like Car Parking space, Street lights, absence of public toilets, absence of Tourism Department in Hunza, and the absence of a tourism policy at the GB Govt. level. Other issues highlighted included the condition of Karimabad town road, provision of clean drinking water, absence of municipality, and the perennial power crunch. Concerns were also shown about the misinformation shared by certain tourist guides and media persons.
Chairman KADO in his speech as chief guest said that we the beginning CPEC trade the flow of tourists will increase, including tourists from China. He said that there’s a need to benefit from the opportunities and face the challenges through joint action.
Manager Hunza Serena Inn, Asghar Khan, shared the role of Serena Hotels in promoting tourism in the region, identifying environmental and social issues, educating and educating capacity, and building and strengthening relationships with the communities. He also highlighted the objectives of responsible tourism day and said that the Serena Inn will continue its efforts for promoting responsible tourism enterprise development.
