24 Requests To International Travelers & Pakistani Tourists

 

The local populace in Pakistan's tourist zones often debates and evaluates the various effects—both positive and negative—resulting from the recent tourism boom. Although the residents of these mountainous areas are appreciative of the economic advantages, they also have many valid concerns, one of which is not being heard.

To determine the main problems, Pakistan Travel Blog spoke with several parties, including local business owners and Azad Kashmiri and Gilgit-Baltistan civil society activists.

Pakistan Travel Blog has compiled a list of guidelines for "the respectful tourist" who wishes to travel to mountainous regions or travels to Gilgit-Baltistan or Azad Kashmir frequently in order to condense their main worries.

The considerate traveller must make an attempt to comprehend the cultural,'

1. Cultural Considerations

THE RESPECTFUL TOURIST:

. is appreciative and humble when receiving offers of local food, avoids abusing kind hospitality, and pays for food and lodging

2. exhibits conservative behaviour out of respect for the community's culture

3. Dresses modestly by covering their ankles with long, loose-fitting blouses and full-length trousers at places of worship.

4. abstains from alcohol consumption in public

5. abstains from any shows of affection in front of others

6. supports local companies, employs porters, and purchases goods from the area, which promotes residents to protect their natural resource base.

7. obtains consent before taking pictures of persons or holy locations

8. does not provide freebies to children and makes grants through reputable community leaders or established organisations

2. Environmental Considerations

THE RESPECTFUL TOURIST:

1. reduces harmful effects on the environment

2. Avoids travelling alone but instead travels in a small group to reduce overall impact

4. when camping, uses a kerosene burner instead of a wood or dung fire because these fuels are scarce and belong to the locals.

5. Packs enough warm clothes to prevent having to rely on campfires to stay warm.

6. bathes, uses a basin to wash dishes and clothes, and disposes of soapy water at least 50 metres from water sources.

7. Go to the bathroom at least 50 metres away from open water sources or campgrounds without restrooms.

8. packs out other trash and burns trash that can be burned.

9. leaves campsites in the same condition as when found; doesn't clear vegetation, cut down trees or other plants, or remove boulders from walls or canals.

10. leaves no graffiti or names on rocks

11. refrains from hunting or dealing in endangered species

12. abstains from provoking, supplying food to, or eating wild game

13. does not discriminate against travel agencies that promise to promote environmentally friendly tourism (apricot tours, jangoo adventures, etc. are a few examples).

14. uses a local tour operator while travelling with one, if possible.

3. Other Considerations

THE RESPECTFUL TOURIST

1. follows the law and receives the relevant authorizations for the route

2. upholds the integrity of international boundaries and secures all necessary authorization for cross-border travel

3. accepts accountability for one's actions and abstains from making hasty choices

Are you an ethical traveller? Do you wish for anything more to be added? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.