Sustainable development strategies for adventure tourism in Hindukush Karakoram and Himalaya region in Pakistan

Abstract

The Hindukush Karakoram and Himalaya (HKHK) region in Pakistan boasts unparalleled natural beauty and is rich in adventure tourism opportunities, making it a promising destination for travelers seeking thrilling experiences. However, the potential for adventure tourism in this region comes with the responsibility to develop it sustainably and responsibly. The challenge lies in harnessing this potential without causing environmental degradation or negatively impacting local communities. Therefore, there is a pressing need to formulate and implement sustainable development strategies for adventure tourism in the HKHK region. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive SWOT analysis to identify key factors, utilize the TOWS matrix to form strategies, and prioritize them using the QSPM method. The study area is located in the Hindukush, Karakoram, and Himalaya Mountain ranges, stretching from Gilgit Baltistan to Chitral. The participants of this study comprise experts such as the management in government agencies, tourists such as mountaineers who have visited the region in the past years, and local residents who were well aware of adventure tourism in the region. The purposeful sampling method was used to ensure that participants with adequate knowledge and understanding of tourism in this region were included in the study. Questionnaires were used to collect data from study participants in two phases. In the first phase, the data extracted from the questionnaires was used to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, i.e., the SWOT factors of the adventure tourism sector in the high mountain regions of Pakistan. Subsequently, in the second phase, seven experts were selected to rank the factors identified through the first phase based on their importance and relevance to the sustainable development of adventure tourism in our selected region. The data collected was then used to formulate strategies and identify the ones with the highest priority. The selected strategies encompass a range of initiatives, including forging collaborations for infrastructure development through public-private partnerships, fortifying climate resilience, fostering community-centric growth models, emphasizing the education of tourists, and promoting active international participation in the region's adventure tourism offerings. This research contributes a comprehensive framework that not only unlocks the potential for sustainable adventure tourism in Pakistan's mountainous terrains but also underscores the imperative of responsible practices, ensuring that economic growth harmonizes with environmental conservation and the well-being of local communities.