Home Culture Pakistan Among ‘Best Holiday Destinations for 2020’

Pakistan Among ‘Best Holiday Destinations for 2020’

by Staff Report

Aamir Qureshi—AFP

Luxury travel magazine cites relaxed visa restrictions, sites of cultural and ecological interest, among reasons for its listing

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led government’s aim to boost tourism in the country appears to be bearing fruit, as the Conde Nast Traveller, a luxury travel magazine aimed at upmarket tourists, has named Pakistan as the destination its editors are most excited about in not only the upcoming year, but also the next decade.

In a feature published on its website by Lizzie Pook and Tabitha Joyce, the magazine hailed Pakistan as the “adventure traveler’s must-visit” country. “Thwarted by tales of terrorism and Taliban rule, Pakistan’s tourism industry has been stymied for the past two decades,” it said, adding that despite these concerns, the country’s “ancient valleys [and] relaxed visa restrictions” were finally bringing it back into focus.

“Pakistan has more peaks taller than 22,965ft than China and Nepal combined, making it an almost magnetic spot for adventure travelers and intrepid hikers,” it said. “Visitors can follow in Michael Palin’s steps while traversing the 12,250ft Shandur Pass, home to the world’s highest polo field, or meet with the Kalash people of the Hindu Kush, famed for their cowrie-shell headdresses and brighter-than-bright embroidery,” it added.

But the country’s majestic mountain ranges aren’t the only attraction, according to Conde Nast Traveller. “In Lahore, the sight of 100,000 worshippers crammed into the sandstone 17th-century Badshahi Mosque will leave you breathless, while Mughal-era architectural masterpieces stand resplendent on bustling street corners,” it said of the provincial capital of Punjab province.

Jonny Bealby, founder and CEO of adventure-tour operator Wild Frontiers told the magazine that he was seeing substantive improvements in Pakistan’s tourism industry. “A focus on security measures, which saw the British FCO [Foreign and Commonwealth Office] lift its advice against travel to large parts of the north, and the election of Imran Khan, who has vowed to increase international tourist numbers, has already had an impact,” he said.

“Hardy visitors will find that little has changed since Mughal times—with the peaks’ gemstone mines, fairy meadows and winding trails worn into the ground by heavy-laden yaks—while the Karakorum, stretching upwards from the north-west frontier and carved into the ancient bedrock, is one of the world’s most astonishing highways,” it adds.

According to the magazine, its list is compiled by examining holiday destinations that are geographically diverse, as well as offer a range of trips, from eco-tourism to adventure. In addition, to Pakistan, the magazine’s list advises travelers to seek out Kyoto, Japan; Rijeka, Croatia; Panama; Rabat, Morocco; British Virgin Islands; Frisian Islands, Denmark; Qingdao, China; Lebanon; Portland, Maine, U.S.; Dakar, Senegal; Egadi Islands, Sicily; Paris, France; Siargao, Philippines; Galway, Ireland; Kangaroo Island, Australia; Salvador, Brazil; Armenia; Kyrgyzstan; Plymouth, U.K. as top holiday destinations for 2020.

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22 comments

Dazzle December 15, 2019 - 12:32 am

Brilliant.

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Suhail Aziz December 15, 2019 - 1:18 am

Tourism

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Sajjad Jaffery December 15, 2019 - 1:50 am

There should be absolutely no doubt about it when it comes to Pakistan as a hidden gem when it comes to world tourism destinations. Our enemies have made concerted efforts to paint a negative image of Pakistan. Turkey earns as much foreign exchange through tourism that Pakistan earns annually through exports when it doesn’t have even 10% to offer as compared to natural beauty of Pakistan. All Pakistanis have to join hands with our government and help promote tourism in Pakistan. If we are successful, believe me, it can add millions of jobs to our economy through hotels, hospitality industry, transport, food industry, carpets and handicrafts, etc.

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sami December 15, 2019 - 11:35 am

Lahore, Islamabad, and Gilgit-Baltistan are must see areas of Pakistan.

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Aaaa December 17, 2019 - 11:26 pm

Islamabad, gilgit, azad kashmir, murree, quetta yeh sary natural beauty waly cities hen bhai… In ka muqabla koi nhe… Na lahore na karachi…

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Nasir Javaid December 15, 2019 - 12:18 pm

Its true. The geographical location, historical places, culture, its people, Himalaya series of mountains, rivers, deserts, its weathers, fruits and many more. Now after the Pakistan security agencies launched operations against terrorists the security situation is very ideal for tourists. Due to the exchange rate Pakistan is quite a cheaper place for the foreigners to visit and enjoy the beauty of Pakistan.

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Sufyan December 15, 2019 - 8:56 pm

Love from #Pakistan. Absolutely Pakistan is world’s best tourset place. It has Rivers, Sea, Fields, mountains, lakes, desserts, culture, oldest civilization and many more. At the end, I want to say wellcom to Pakistan. #Pakistan Zinda Abbad

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Muhammad Farooq December 15, 2019 - 9:14 pm

It’s True. Pakistan is heaven for tourists. It is historically rich and Northern part is words best area to visit in all 4 seasons of the year

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Babar waheed December 15, 2019 - 11:36 pm

Pakistan is deserving for this Position and honour because Pakistan have a alot to offer their visitors a land of high adventure and nature. Trekking, mountaineering,mountain and desert High Himalayas, Karakoram and the Hindukush ranges with their alpine meadows and permanent snow line rich history and culture and most most important world most hospitable people every Pakistani contribute to promote tourism In Pakistan including media and government

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Mudasar khokhar December 16, 2019 - 11:54 am

Welcome pakistan to all bro and sis …????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

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Deepak saini December 17, 2019 - 7:38 am

Good

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Fauziah December 17, 2019 - 11:51 am

Im frm Malaysia.travelled to gilgit.hunza.khunjerab pass last mnth.went with my sis,daughter and niece.four ladies.felt safe.pak8stan was Breathtaking.!!The highway was beyond anything i hve ever seen.it was thru mountains and mountains we travelled.Passu cones is an amazing sight.i will never forget my journey ther..thank you Pakistan!

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iftikhar bashir butt, December 26, 2019 - 4:52 pm

very good nice commet ,love and respect from pakistan,

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FARHAN December 25, 2019 - 5:47 pm

MASHALLAH

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Zeeshan January 3, 2020 - 4:08 am

AlhumduAllah

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Uzair khan January 4, 2020 - 10:45 am

Pakistan is now at top best home holidays destinations for tourists. Best places to visit are Islamabad, Murree, Patriata, Azad Kashmir, Naran Kaghan, Gilgit Baltistan, Lahore, Hunza Lake, Lake Saif-Ul-Malook, Neelum Valley & much more. Truly the best & eyes satisfying natural beauties situated in Pakistan.

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Shahzad zulkifal January 8, 2020 - 12:55 am

It’s true, people should come and see the real picture of pakistan……. country of sweet people.
come and see the hospitality of great nation. Don’t look at us by the eyez of our enemies, come and see physically.

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Muhammad Bilal Hassan January 9, 2020 - 6:11 pm

Sonhni Darti
Allah Rakhy
Qadam qadam abaad

Proud to be a Pakistani
Alhamdulillah

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Md. Shakhawat Hossain January 12, 2020 - 6:11 pm

On the off chance that I have a special interest in Pakistan, as my parents and sisters, brothers been there for a long time. Yet, me also visited Pakistan, Lahore, and Karachi for only once, however, I want to see the great Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Naosera, Montibahauddin, Peshwar, Jhilom and so many places as I’ve heard from my parents.

Thanks for your nice writing.
Shakhawat.

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Sohail Anwar January 12, 2020 - 8:01 pm

amazing article with a lot of places with their detail information to visit. One who really want to go their must read your article its really amazing.There are lists of amazing and best places to travel with toddlers in Pakistan.

List of 31+ Beautiful Places in Pakistan

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Desert Camping February 6, 2020 - 10:01 am

Very nice. I never saw such a good article like this. I haven’t been to Pakistan yet but will definitely follow your advice when I go. I Think Discovermleiha is a better option for Desert Camping.

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Ali March 5, 2020 - 1:28 pm

Indeed Pakistan is one of the most beautiful countries and offering so much beauty to tourists. People should visit Pakistan as it has so many beautiful sights, lakes, mountains for tourists.

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