ISLAMABAD: Pakistan can develop new tourism opportunities by adapting elements of China’s railway tourism model, with experts highlighting the potential of integrated transport, hospitality services, digital systems, and private-sector participation to strengthen the country’s tourism economy.
The discussion comes after China introduced a policy framework to expand railway-based tourism, encouraging upgrades at tourism-focused railway stations, improved technology for tourist trains, data-driven travel planning, and greater involvement of private businesses.
The Chinese initiative was outlined in a joint notice issued by eight government bodies, including the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and China State Railway Group, according to state media outlet Xinhua.
Experts believe Pakistan can apply similar principles by connecting railway routes with local transport networks, tourist facilities, and hospitality services rather than attempting to replicate China’s large-scale system.
Pakistan’s Tourism Potential and Challenges
Pakistan’s tourism sector has significant growth potential due to its natural landscapes, cultural heritage, religious sites, and adventure tourism opportunities. However, infrastructure limitations continue to restrict the sector’s expansion.
According to the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Policy Advisory Board, travel and tourism contributed 5.9% to Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) and supported 4.7 million jobs in 2024.
The report noted that Pakistan generated around $1.15 billion from inbound tourism during the year, while Pakistani travellers spent approximately $2.4 billion abroad. It also stated that Pakistan ranked 101st on the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) and accounted for 2.2% of South Asia’s tourism receipts.
Experts Suggest Railway-Based Tourism Corridors
Ameer Hamza Khan, founder of PaharbyHK, said Pakistan should initially focus on developing targeted railway tourism corridors instead of attempting to introduce a nationwide model similar to China.
He suggested connecting existing railway routes with city transport, tourist buses, hotel transfers, local guides, and digital ticketing systems to create complete travel packages.
Khan identified routes such as Rawalpindi-Attock, Lahore-Wagah, and Karachi-Hyderabad-Thatta as potential options for weekend and family tourism initiatives.
He said Pakistan Railways could improve tourism services through focused upgrades, including cleaner stations, information facilities, multilingual signage, food services, online booking systems, family-friendly compartments, and partnerships with hotels.
He also stressed the need for a regulatory framework that encourages private investment in tourism trains and railway station services.
Rail-to-Road Connectivity for Northern Tourism
Zulfiqar Ali, CEO of Goomo Joomo Tours and Travels, said Pakistan should consider dedicated tourism trains and buses as integrated travel products, particularly for northern areas.
According to the FPCCI report, adventure tourism represents 45% of Pakistan’s tourism activity, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa contributing 31% and Gilgit-Baltistan accounting for 24%.
However, the report identified transport challenges, including frequent disruptions on the Karakoram Highway and Baltistan Highway, as major obstacles affecting tourism growth in northern regions.
Ali proposed a rail-to-road tourism model where visitors could travel by train to destinations such as Rawalpindi, Taxila, or Havelian before continuing towards northern areas through dedicated tourist bus services.
He said infrastructure projects, including the proposed Mansehra-Chilas Motorway, could support tourism development if combined with facilities such as rest areas, viewpoints, emergency services, and fuel stations.
Digital Systems and Private Sector Role
Experts said Pakistan’s railway tourism development would require better coordination between government institutions, transport operators, hotels, and local tourism businesses.
They also highlighted the importance of digital tools, including demand forecasting systems and online travel platforms, to improve visitor management and service planning.
The planned Pakistan-China railway connection could also create future opportunities for tourism links between China, Gilgit-Baltistan, and other parts of Pakistan, experts said.
They added that local tourism operators should be involved in designing travel packages because of their knowledge of regional weather conditions, seasonal demand, and accessibility challenges.
A phased approach combining railway connectivity, road networks, hospitality services, and technology could help Pakistan strengthen tourism infrastructure and create new opportunities for employment and regional economic activity.
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