By Jawad Ahmed ISLAMABAD, Feb 28 (INP-WealthPK): Tourism contributed $3.5 trillion to the global economy in 2019, accounting for 4% of the world GDP. However, the sector’s contribution to GDP got reduced by $2.0 trillion in the year 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But it has shown positive trend in 2021 and is expected to increase in the coming years, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Tourism is one of the fast-growing sectors around the world, and the sector is also critical for Pakistan’s socioeconomic development. A well-developed tourism sector is considered a lifeline for economic growth and job creation as many allied sectors can also benefit from a robust tourism sector. This industry continues to be a significant source of employment and revenue generation in countries the world over, and has shown to be a valuable instrument for economic diversification. The tourism sector in South Asia, which is regarded as having the world’s most attractive destinations after the Middle East, contributed 4.4% of the total GDP in 2019, trailing the Middle East's 5.1%. It boasts a diverse range of natural resources, including mountains, rivers, coastal areas, as well as diversity of climate conditions. The South Asian region’s tourist sector contributed 8.8% to GDP, representing $296 billion in 2019. Asia-Pacific was the best-performing region in 2018, expanding at a rate of 6.4% for world travel and tourism [UNWTO 2021]. With scenic spots dotting the country, Pakistan’s tourism sector also boasts an ancient cultural and historical legacy. Pakistan has a variety of magnificent tourist destinations, and the country attracts a large number of visitors from across the globe each year. Mostly the tourists are drawn to the picturesque northern parts. Its unique terrain, breathtaking landscapes, and assortment of vibrant cultures, historical places, mountains, cliffs, rivers, and valleys are always an allure for travellers. Every year, trekkers, climbers, hikers and mountaineers flock to the Karakoram, Hindukush and Pamir Mountain Ranges. The last decade has been devoted to tap the large tourism potential of Pakistan as the industry contributed 5.9% of the total GDP in 2019, resulting in the creation of approximately four million jobs. In the year 2020, when the world was struck by the Covid-19 pandemic, Pakistan's tourism industry was poised to break all records. Many of the international travelling agencies recognised Pakistan as one of the best and highest adventure travelling destinations. According to T&T, approximately 6.2% of the total employment is created by the tourism industry, whereas it is projected to create millions of jobs in coming years. According to UNWTO, Covid-19 has had a negative impact on the tourism industry, with international tourist arrivals dropping by 44% in the first quarter of 2020. The tourism sector of Pakistan, which has largely recuperated from the pandemic, is set to rebound in 2022, bringing in more foreign visitors. Domestic tourism is also showing positive signs with people visiting well-known tourist destinations in Pakistan's northern territories in 2021. The tourism industry has the potential to create jobs and address Pakistan's longstanding socioeconomic problems. Pakistan can develop the tourism sector in a way that it becomes the mainstay of its economy, learning from the experiences of a number of countries that have grown their economies largely through tourism. The current government is focusing on developing the country's tourism industry in order to fulfil the developmental goals and alleviate poverty. The government must take steps to attract foreign investors through effective promotion, infrastructure development and improving hotel amenities.