In their recently released video, Destinations Pakistan has captured the “fiery” flamingos languishing in Lake Ucchali in Soon Valley, who these days are enjoying the world-renowned hospitality of our country.
The video not only throws a spotlight on the natural wonders that are home to Pakistan, but their thought-provoking caption has triggered a conversation around sustainable tourism and the need for responsible tourism.
Celebrities have joined the discussion and highlighted the need for promoting tourism and especially ecotourism.
Flamingos are incredible birds – we should all aspire to be more like them. They’re vibrant, they share responsibilities between males and females, like humans they are social animals, living in large colonies they’re travellers. And right now, they are visiting Pakistan!
Tourism is travelling, sightseeing, and all the other holiday activities you enjoy. Sustainable means that it can continue – often indefinitely. To have sustainable tourism is to go on holiday and partake in activities that support the locals and environment in a way that preserves and encourages them.
While it is important to promote tourism as it has the potential to bring the much-required boom in the Pakistan economy, it is equally important to ensure that we take proactive and pre-emptive measures to ensure that the tourism is sustained by maintaining and preserving the tourist destinations and sights.
As the world wakes up to the realities of the pandemic, there is a deeper appreciation of and preference for “mother earth” and nature. The behaviours are changing towards more outdoor, nature-based tourism, vacations, and staycations.
Pakistan is well-positioned to benefit from this shift; however, it will only be possible if we ensure that the destinations and habitats are preserved and protected.
In line with the priorities of the Government of Pakistan, the #SaafDestinations initiative of Destinations Pakistan is working on a two-point agenda with a mission to ensure urgent climate action, while simultaneously paving the way for sustainable tourism.
These are the kind of initiatives that are the need of the hour as climate change mitigation will not be possible unless everyone joins the efforts.
Green travel is a journey, not a destination. It is about making choices that will save the planet. For example, if you can cycle it, why drive. Glamp it and enjoy the adventure. Don’t litter and clean tourist destinations, even plant a tree or two.
Promote local business while respecting their culture, maybe even volunteer in local activities. There are so many smalls things that we can do that will go a long way for protecting the environment and giving a unique travel experience.
Promoting tourism through captivating and thought-provoking content is the key as it not only showcases the tourism potential, but also builds a softer image of Pakistan.
It is great to see the private sector like Destinations Pakistan bring a sharpened lens to the colours and diversity of Pakistan, but more importantly, it is encouraging to see someone finally advocate and raise awareness on responsible tourism, sustainable tourism, and ecotourism.
We have a long to travel before we reach the ideal. It is good to see the journey has started with #SaafDestinations.
