ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Wednesday said the government needs to turn tourism into a key driver for socio- economic development and poverty reduction.

At present, 25 million Chinese are travelling each year; the number is expected to double by 2020. This means that they would be spending $590 billion per annum, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW).

Pakistan needs to draw advantage from the Chinese tourism industry, the worlds fourth largest that ranks third in total outbound travel spending, it said. China is poised to become world’s number one economic power while western nations are struggling to sustain growth rate.

The government should plan to attract Chinese tourists for the sake of development as they feel very comfortable in Pakistan, he demanded. Our exemplary relations have done little to attract Chinese tourists, he said, adding that Pakistan’s share in Chinese leisure spending remains very low, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal.

Anyone interested in tapping Chinas booming tourism sector should first understand their needs and expectations. Majority of Chinese travellers are reported to be dissatisfied with arrangements in the tourist destinations which is an opportunity for Pakistan’s hospitality sector.

He said that Chinese tourists are currently spending around 295 billion dollars which is just the tip of their tourism iceberg. Attracting tourist dollars can make an important contribution to our foreign exchange earnings, create employment and benefit backward areas. We should realise that the business volume of tourism has surpassed that of oil exports. It has become one of the major players in the international commerce therefore it cannot be neglected any more, said Dr. Mughal.