Gilgit Baltistan “The Land of Beauty” is an administrative territory famous due to mesmerizing landscape, gigantic mountains and breathtaking views. It is a wonderland that helped Pakistan to top the list of world best travel and adventure destinations as nominated by international travel societies, magazines and bloggers. The catastrophic pandemic of coronavirus has also made its way to Pakistan and that probably going to kindle significant impacts on the future of international and local tourism in Pakistan. Amid this situation of immense distress and dismay, the miraculous land of Gilgit-Baltistan may do her magic to turn the tables for Pakistan. However, appropriate planning and sufficient groundwork is required.
As Europe is one of the worst effective regions with COVID-19 outbreak, her tourism industry is going to be irrevocably affected too. France, Spain and Italy are part of world top 5 countries which host the highest number of international tourists. They collectively have been hosting more than 200 million holidaymakers each year since 2014. Other countries including America (Rank 1), China (Rank 4) and Turkey (Rank 6) are also been wobbled by COVID-19 tribulation. Due to uncertain situations at famous destinations i.e. Venice city, Paris, Grindelwald e.t.c. International tourists will deem for new spots at least for next few seasons.
A corona free Gilgit sounds like an unparallel idea for world elites to spend vocation and enjoy the safe and serene domain. Transfer of pilgrims from Taftan (Pak-Iran) border to Gilgit Baltistan was the worse decision made in this regard. Spread of infection to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir should have been avoided the most and that was more possible due to landscape, geography and low population of the area itself. However, the government may still work to establish a corona free zone from Gilgit airport to Hunza and Passu covering main tourist destinations and spots. The zone should work the way that only those persons with COVID negative status should enter and move in it. A corona free heaven in Gilgit-Baltistan may change the game for region.