A three-day workshop on "Ecotourism for Rural Economy: Impediments and Opportunities" concluded in Islamabad.

The workshop was organized by Akhtar Hameed Khan National Center for Rural Development.

Representatives from National Tourism Coordination Board, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, World Wildlife Fund, AJK Tourism and Archaeology Department, and Himalayan Wildlife Foundation highlighted the tourism potential and works they have done in promoting Ecotourism in the respective areas.

They emphasized the need to adopt an effective strategy to ensure implementation of Ecotourism in the country to save the environment, local culture and conservation of natural beauty.

They said to ensure responsible travel; there is a need to education tourists and the host side as well about their responsibilities.  They said natural beauty, cultural heritage; spiritual beliefs of local communities should be protected through creating awareness among the tourists.

Addressing the event representatives of Radio Pakistan Ijaz Hussain, Inam Somro and Muhammad Siddiq Paracha highlighted Radio Pakistan’s role in promoting tourism and educating the general public about ecotourism.

They said Radio Pakistan as a responsible state institution is broadcasting news and current affairs programs on tourism through social media as well.

Ijaz/Khokhar