Assessment of Potential Tourism Resources for Developing Different forms of Tourism: A Case Study of Swat Valley

Abstract

The purpose of this research is identification, inventorying and classification of Swat tourism resources, which might helpful to be used as a baseline data for decision makers to develop, promote and market the case study area for future tourism development. In order to identify potential tourism resources criteria used for assessment to decide reasonableness and probability of progress in the event that advancement occur. The0three segments of the tourism industry are thought of; nature-based tourism, cultural tourism and agri-tourism. The findings in the study depend on qualitative method in a type of meetings and recording interviews and field perceptions. Analysis of the data confirms that Swat have rich tourism potential resources principally in terms of diversification all the three segments of tourism are analyzed. Findings disclose that Swat has underprivileged, neglected and poor basic infrastructure, lack of easy access is the significant disadvantage to the possibility of future tourism exercises. The main GT road leads to Swat is very snaky, mostly routed between thick populated residential fragments of the area and narrow, but there is possibility to visit and reach the case study area via alternative routes if upgraded and signposted (Swat expressway ends at Chakdara then joins the Main GT road,Shangla Besham Road enters Khawazakhela, Dir/ Upper Kohistan Badgoyee Pass enters Utror Kalam, Buner road enters to Barikot Swat).Due to the gap between stakeholder’s coordination is the only reason for the lack of basic infrastructure, as complex and hoary laws and regulations, policies which has restricted the level of local investors. Results and conclusion of research work supports that Swat valley is suitable for tourism development; for a successful tourism attraction is the major factor due to variety in attractions in Swat it is the main drive for the travelers (national & International) to pay a visit to the destination, if there is lack of attraction then provision of services, amenities etc. are at loose ends. The facilities and services provided for tourists can be used by the local population which will improve the life standards.