Developing a mindset for tourism

The pitfalls from a lack of vision can be seen in the lost opportunities in the tourism sector of Pakistan.  This is an industry that first and foremost requires a mindset not merely of tolerance and acceptability of others, but a desire to see others arrive and spend their wealth in the national economy. 

There is an overabundance of historical, social, religious and most of all scenic sites in the country which can be showcased to entice foreign currencies from around the world. 

Historical centers of Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism are located here.  Millions from India would welcome the move to open the borders for visits to Hinglaj.  Religious tourism has proven to be a bonanza for the Saudi authorities and Pakistan need not shy away from advertising itself as a center for many religious events. The massive Tablighi Ijtima could also be marketed globally and may even rival the events in Arabia. 

If despite the villainous image of the Pharoah in the Holy Koran, Egyptians still cherish their ancient civilizations and earning billions of dollars annually off of them, and if Iranians are inspired by the pre-Islamic Kings of the Shahnama-e-Firdousi, it is embarrassing to see Pakistan deny its historical and religious venues from generating money. 

To be fair, it is not the preference for any one religion which has wrecked the desire to own the nation's heritage.  It is the general lack of a mindset for appreciating a past of this land and the people it has raised over thousands of years.  The decaying walls of the Shalimar Garden, its littered fountains, the underground tunnels once said to be used by the Mughal Kings closed due to the piled garbage dump of the locality all reveal a disregard and a subconscious disdain for the past. 

There are nations forced to stretch their wildest imaginations in order to sell the importance of their nation and culture.  And there are those like Pakistan who are afflicted with amnesia when it comes to the rich history of its lands.  Perhaps if its leaders saw the tremendous money-making and money-milking potential in tourism, there would a plunge for promoting this industry.  Granted times are rough, but there are enough emotions attached to Hazrat Guru Nanak and Sati Devi and rock formations of the fasting Buddha and the annual Tablighi bashes to convince the pious to ignore the threats and pay homage to the divine venues of Pakistan.