Travel & Tour Industry in Pakistan

In 2010, one third of the country suffered from the worst floods in the history of Pakistan. This wreaked havoc not only on the economy of the country but also various other segments. It has had, and will continue to have for a long time afterwards, farreaching consequences. Causing more destruction than both the tsunami disaster and the 2005 northern Pakistan earthquake combined, the floods will adversely affect health and hygiene, agriculture, accessibility and mobilization, as well as rehabilitation efforts, among various other factors. Since the large rural population of Pakistan relies on agriculture and livestock as a major source of income, the livelihood of an overwhelmingly large segment of the Pakistani population has been destroyed. In light of the floods and the hard times the country is facing and as travel and tourism is considered a luxury expenditure in that direction has been negatively impacted for outbound travellers. Additionally, inbound tourism flows have also been adversely affected by the flooding, as a large land mass is submerged in water and the spread of disease and destruction is continuing. The total number of outbound tourists has decreased as Pakistans image in the international media is not one that is positive. Due to widespread media reports of terrorist activities in Pakistan, the reputation of Pakistan in the international arena has greatly suffered and people have grown wary and suspicious of Pakistanis. It is increasingly difficult for Pakistani tourists to acquire visas, and the visas for even those countries that provide visas on arrival have been made unavailable to Pakistani citizens. Many airlines have also suspended their operations in the country. Additionally, damage has also been done to tourism by negative reports given in their home countries by foreign tourists who have travelled to Pakistan during these difficult times. As a result of all these factors, the figures for outbound travellers have suffered. During hard times and especially in the aftermath of disaster, there is a serious obligation on the rest of the world to donate to the country in need and provide resources to improve the dire situation. For Pakistan too, there has been an international pressure, however big or small, on other countries to donate towards development. This development facilitated by international aid is essentially long term and sustainable, as the infrastructure that is built with the help of aid has far-reaching effects and is sustainable for future use. For instance, the infrastructure and development accomplished with the help of international donors after the 2005 earthquake in northern Pakistan was sustainable and has proven to be long term in its benefits and impact. Arrivals to the country are not significant in number, especially after 9/11 and reported terrorist activity in the region. This negative reputation has been further exacerbated following the death of Osama Bin Laden, and the suspicion in some quarters of collusion among the local population and officials during the years he remained in hiding in the country. This is because in the international arena, Pakistan has been labelled a terrorist state and tourists are reluctant to travel to an area perceived by them as intolerant and unwelcoming towards foreigners. The international image and reputation of Pakistan that persists is such that it remains a hindrance to travel and tourism.

Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has been involved in promoting tourism across the nation. After the completion of the military operation against terrorism in Swat, PTDCs Swat resort was again opened to the public and a festival was arranged there for the promotion of tourism in this once very popular tourist location. Throughout 2010, the Ministry of Tourism continued its activities to improve the security situation in the country, while also increasing security monitoring in the more remote tourist locations. Alongside security improvements, the Ministry of Tourism has also focused on continued efforts to promote the benefits of medical facilities and opportunities for medical tourism available in the country. Pakistan is among those few countries where tourists can have an opportunity to see natures beauty at its best. There are high mountains, valleys, lush green plains, deserts, rivers and ocean. In between some high mountains of Pakistan, there are some spectacular and stunning lakes which add to the beauty of hilly areas. I have made a list of most famous and beautiful lakes in Pakistan which is been mentioned below: Saif ul Muluk Lake You will find this lake in the northern end of Kaghan valley which is located at an altitude of 10578 feet. This fact makes this lake the highest lake in Pakistan. Lake Saif ul Muluk is located under the mighty Malika Parbat. The lake gives one of the best scenes in the world when reflection of mountains shines in its waters. You can reach this lake by a jeep but the best and most interesting way to reach this beautiful lake is through trekking. If you are also planning to reach this lake by training then let me inform you that it takes almost 1-2 hours to reach this lake from Naran. Waters of Saif ul Muluk are clear because water comes from the glaciers located all around this lake. An interesting story is also associated with this lake due to which people believe that fairies come down to the lake in full moon. Manchar Lake Manchar Lake is one of the largest lakes of Asia. It is a fresh water lake and is located west of Indus River in Dadu district. It is an important lake in this district because it provides livelihood to a number of fishermen and irrigates the crops as well. This lake is also a home to several aquatic plants like lotus. This lake was created in 1930 as a result of construction of Sukkur Barrage and since then it has been supporting thousands of people who depend on fresh water fish. Keenjhar Lake Keenjhar Lake is also known as Kalri Lake. Located in Thatta, this lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes of Pakistan. This lake is known at international level for breeding water birds as it supports about 140000 birds which include Black Coot, Common Pochard etc. Besides providing beautiful scenes of nature, this lake also acts as a source of drinking water. 2

Shangrila Lake Being a part of Shangrila resort, this lake is located at a drive of 20 minutes from Skardu. The name of this lake comes from the Chinese word Shangri La which means Heaven on Earth. This can truly be called Heaven on Earth because of its spectacular and breathtaking beauty and quiet ambiance. Haleji Lake Haleji Lake is located in Thatta district of Pakistan where thousands of migratory birds come from different parts of world. These birds include European Wigeon, Black Coot and Dalmatian Pelican. The presence of these birds makes it a bird watchers paradise as you can see more than 223 species of birds here. Haleji is a saltwater lake which was formed by seasonal water and today this lake has become a major source of water supply to Karachi. Lulusar Lake Lulusar Lake is located near Naran Valley. The sar from the name of lake comes from the Pushto language which means top or peak. Actually Lulusar is the name of the mountains which are located around this lake thats why it is the lake of Lulusar. This lake is bigger as compared to all other lakes in the valley. A thousand of visitors, both local and international come here especially in summer to see the reflection of mountains in sparkling water of lake. To reach this beautiful lake, you can hire a jeep from Naran to reach this beautiful lake in five hours. I will suggest you to leave Naran in morning so that you can come back before sunset. Mohodand Lake Mohodand Lake boasts of being the most beautiful lake around Swat and Kalam. Located close to Lake Saifullah and Naseerullah, this lake is accessible through a jeep. This is also a good place for fishing and watching beautiful scenes. These were some of the most popular lakes of Pakistan. Some other lakes are:

Payee Lake (Kaghan Valley) Dudipatsar Lake (Kaghan Valley) Satpara Lake (Skardu Valley) Hanna Lake (Quetta City) Shonter Lake (Neelum Valley) Rawal Lake (Islamabad) Rama Lake (Gilgit)

CEOs Message
At Al-Asad travel, we strive to provide our customers with the very best service in the industry. All our offices are IATA accredited and can provide e-ticketing for all major airlines without any hassle. We are committed to offer travel services of the highest quality, combining our energy and enthusiasm, with our years of experience. Our greatest satisfaction comes in serving large number of satisfied clients who have experienced the joys and inspiration of travel. Ever since the Al-Asad travel & tours was established in 1998, We have concentrated our efforts on producing High Quality Travel, responding to the needs of the times while anticipating the demands of the future. You will discover that, Al-Asad travels & tours is quite diverse. We use our diversity in and out of the travel industry to addres various global concerns. By planning and organizing events, we address current issues such as the Cultural Pratices, Religious Activities and international relations. We narrow the gap of misunderstanding between people by promoting International Business, Cultural Exchanges, and by serving as a major source of information. Our brands also have experienced significant growth internationally. Continually providing a vast array of innovative ideas and quality services, AAT commits itself as a leader in promoting the enrichment of mankind and the globalization of the world, as we embark on the journey into this 21st Century.

About Al-Asad Travel and Tours(AAT)

Al-Asad Travel has an impressive history of delivering tailor-made, focused services to its ever-growing clientele with differing needs and preferences. It was established in 1999 and since then our only focus is total customer satisfaction and nothing else. To serve our customers better, we stress on delivering excellent services through our most professional and well-experienced staff who help us to understand and meet the varied needs of tourists, Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims, business travelers, and corporate executives. To meet the varied needs of our clients who differ in terms of budgets, time-sensitivity and the like, we have the access to most advance technology available only to the elites of Pakistan travel and tour industry like PIAC reservation Computer Abacus, Galileo, Amadeus and world span reservation system. These tools enable us to access local as well as global reservation systems to deliver the most appropriate services that exactly matches our clients' budgets, time when the want to go and furthermore, add flexibility in their travel plans. It all is made possible through the unique blend of most advanced technology and our proficient, experienced, and caring staff. We have fully-equipped and experienced team of 15 professionals who know the travel industry and importance of your travel needs alike. They are well-versed in understanding your preferences, regulatory requirements, and different carriers that specifically suit your unique scenario; no matter whether it is Hajj, Umrah, holidays trip, business tour or corporate executive traveling to attend a conference. We have specialized in serving the individuals and groups going for Hajj and Umrah. We also help you better to plan, manage, and undertake pleasure and business tours for places like Dubai (U.A.E), Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri-Lanka, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mauritius, Nepal, Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, Kenya, and in a nutshell anywhere on the terms you prefer. Pakistan is blessed with rich variety of fauna and flora and matchless landscapes. The mighty Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindukush mountain ranges with their alpine meadows, from Gawadar coastal line to Cholistan deserts, from Moenjodaro ruins (Indus civilization) to panoramic Hunza valley, from the lofty peaks of K2 and Nanga Parbat to Khunjerab Pass (the highest mountain pass) are some of the remarkable attractions for nature and adventure lovers. Whether you are enthusiastic in Mughals architect, in culture, museums, trekking tours, mountain expeditions, desert safaris, mountain safaris, camel safaris, or you want to have a wonderful experience of travelling on Karakoram Highway (Silkroute, the seventh wonder), Pakistan will be your ideal choice. Highly recommending you to travel Pakistan as destination - Al-Asad Travel and Tours open the door to Pakistan and welcome you to this incredible land.

Al-Asad Travels make all the information available that you need to make an efficient and effective travel plan. It includes fact finder, maps, whether, local events etc. about countries and cities you plan to visit. Our familiarity of the world enable you to get the best rates on fares, hotel s, and car rentals to get the maximum out of your investments no matter whether it is pilgrimage, pleasure or business trip. Some of the services we offer that can let you to plan and execute your travel plans the way you like are as follows: Proactive Reservation and Air ticketing Services Timely Visas Processing Services Efficient Worldwide Hotel Reservation Services Complete packages for Conference, Incentive, and Meeting & Event Groups Customized Group Arrangements Reliable Meet and Assist Services Top-notch Leisure Packages Convenient and economical Umrah & Hajj Services Global Cruises with the amenities you deserve Effective facilitation for International Train Ticket & Transfer Services Best possible Car Rentals when and where you need them Dubai Desert Safari & Dhow Cruise that you would love City Tours and other Excursions you ever dreamt for Hassel-free U A E Entry Visa (Transit Visit)

Offers & Packages

Hajj & Umrah Packages
Al-Asad Travels & Tours have been serving the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims for more than a decade and specialize in understanding their pilgrimage as Holy, Pure, & Hassle free as possible. Therfore, AAT help its clients to immerse into the spiritual aspect associated to the journey and take the pain out of the tasks needed for entire travel arrangements. Al-Asad Travels & Tours ascertain that their clients pilgrimage to makka and medina, whether for Hajj or Umrah be the most memorable event in their life. Therefore, AAT ensure that their clients get the best possible service in terms of carrier price, hotel proximity to sacred places, cost and care that AAT business partners can deliver you at every step . AAT clients can experience all this through their distinct visa processing, flight options & selection, hotel reservation, and car rental services, individually or can go for all-inclusive packages in all the seasons. Whenever clients plan to go for Umrah or Hajj, just AAT or visit exclusive hajj and umrah lounge at Karachi branch or any of their outlet and they will take care of the rest, even one can also can be facilitated by the website of AAT, so that the customers feel themselves easy and convenient to acces the information regarding the various hajj and umrah packages. Al-Asad Travels & Tours, Umrah packages are carefully designed to cater for the needs of budget travelers as well as to provide best cost worthy services to the elite and executive class guests. All packages include visa formalities, return tickets, airport meet and assist services, airport to haram transfers, and booking/reservation in hotels/apartments of clients choice(subject to availability) or hand picked by Al-Asad Travels & Tours.

Ziarat Packages
Ziarat has its own philosophy. A person going to Hajj or Umra has so many places to visit in Mecca. One of these sacred places is the place where Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) stood and made footprints on the stone. This was his miracle. God wants to remind his worshippers not to forget the services and sacrifices of his Prophet Ibrahim (AS), whom He gives the title Khalil (the friend). That is why he ordered them to pray on this place, to put their foreheads down on the place where Ibrahim (AS) left his footprints and run between the mountains of Safa and Marwa in the remembrance of sufferings of the family of Ibrahim (AS). In the same way God likes that his worshippers and visitors of his house will pay full importance to the sacrifices and sufferings of his last Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (SAW) and his progeny. It means that Ziyarat is worship for the believers. Keeping in view the importance of this segment in the tourism industry of Pakistan, Sonya Travels is quite enthusiastic in promoting Ziyarat tour packages towards Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and Syria. Since years we have been rendering services for Ziyarat visitors but with the growing demand of these sacred journeys, Sonya Travels has designed some special packages to fulfill your spiritual desires but nevertheless the team of professionals is ready to prepare any tour package to suit your requirements. We believe that pilgrimage is equally part of general tourism and it needs to be deeply focused to render properly organized services for the spiritual travelers which will be a great service to our diversified community. Southern Travels is striving hard to succeed in achieving excellence in this field.

Tour Packages
As far as understanding the clients that every customer is unique with different preferences and propensity to spend on travel they plan. Therefore, AAT came-up with variety of packages that can be further customized to suit clients specific schedule and budget . AAT has wide network of its services in popular and fascinating landmarks, all over the world. AAT provide the most varied destinations at the most economical charges, leaving the choice of where to have these wonderful memories entirely up to the clients. AAT professionalism and services assures you and your dream holiday. Al-Asad Travels & Tours provides tour packages to destinations outside Pakistan, such as:

United Arab Emirates. Egypt. Malaysia. Maldives. Singapore. Srilanka. Thailand. Indonesia. Mauritius. Turkey. And other European Countries.

Online Hotel Reservation

AAT has contracted rates with most hotels of the Pakistan and world wide. They chose hotels on the basis of quality of services and cleanliness. Their selection and their rates offer to clients the best value for clients money. AAT also offer last-minute bookings, both online and through our 24/7 live help customer support center. Clients can book any of the hotels, among choices provided by Al-Asad travels, online by filling their simple reservation form or by sending them an email or by simply on one phone call. AlAsad Travels do have hotels and places to stay at the remotest areas in Pakistan and as well as in the various parts of the world. For foreign visitors, they also offer visa letter with prepaid hotel reservations. AAT also provides airport meet & assist service at Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad airports. The Al-Asad Travels has focused a lot on this segment of travel industry which is an essential part of the travel needs of the customers. AAT is offering hotels and resorts at affordable rates for the destinations in all over the Pakistan. The AAT has also extended its hotel booking throughout the world. AAT has strong partnership with some of the largest hotel suppliers of the world like Expedia, GTA, and DOTW and has now access to more than 64000 hotels world wide. Al-Asad caters the hotel packages as per clients need, such as some clients prefers the hotel facility nearer to their working place, some may prefer the luxury, or some may demand for the economical rates with better facilities, therefore AAT provides the variety of choices of hotels in the most cities, categorized on the basis of: Economical Class. 3 Star 4 Star 5 Star Other/Customized

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Management
The human resources element shall be essential component in the delivery of the total services, by encouraging all employees to handle customers well, and by having enthusiastic, capable an empowered people interacting with the customers, Al-Asad Travels intend to built the competitive advantage of being able to comprehensively meet the customers needs. They will be need to evaluate jobs and remuneration packages against market benchmarks to employee for their agreed and set out tasks so as to ensure they are competitive. The Al-Asad Travels provides various incentives and facilities to their employees such as: Medical Facility(Spouse) Ten 1000cc cars and five motor bikes for the sales and outdoor staff in the Karachi branch. Bonuses on Eid. Advanced Loan facility. Transportation allowances. Laptops & Black Berry to the various staff who deals in the public management, to keep the employees up-to-date with the technology and to provide best services to their loyal and potential customers.

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Organizational structure
Al-Asad Travels & Tours is been primarily managed by Chief Executive Officer . The AAT engage more of a functional organization structure, whereby people should focus on their prime area expertise and responsibility. However in engaging this organization structure, they intend to ensure that there is open communication between all personnel at all levels. AAT organizational structure demonstrates the importance they put on their customers, and ensuring customers satisfaction in utilizing their services. The employees are assigned in the various departments to work within their ability and assigned responsibility to generate a integration in the organization and provide the best services to their customers. Organizational chart of Hyderabad Branch

CEO

Counter Ticketing Department

Umrah Department

Sales Department

Accounts Department

Ticketing Manager

Umrah Consultant

Sales Manager

Accounts Assistant

Counter Assistant

Accounts Consultant

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Problems/Challenges faced by travel Agents & Industry

Pakistan is located in that part of sub-continent which has rich culture and traditions. Pakistan is such a country which is gifted with all blessings of God Almighty like high mountains, lakes, rivers, ocean, forests, ancient monuments, valleys and fertile plains. All these things make Pakistan the best place for tourists. But it tourism industry is not as flourished as it is expected. There are several reasons behind this. Some of these are given below. Unfavorable Political Conditions Pakistan has been one of the favorite places for tourists but now the situation has been completely changed. The reason is its unfavorable political conditions. People think it an unsafe place after the assassination of popular political figures like Benazir Bhutto and Salman Taseer (governor of major province Punjab). Moreover the corrupt leaders dont pay attention to this major industry which can take its economy to the highest peak. Lack of Proper Infrastructure Infrastructure in Pakistan is a great cause of the failure of profitable tourism industry. There are not proper roads, railway tracks and other transportation services. So tourists find it difficult to visit different places in Pakistan. Poor infrastructure is a hindrance in the way of developed and flourished tourism industry. Inability to Cope with Natural Disasters Pakistans government lacks the ability to cope with the natural calamities. Northern areas of Pakistan have been the tourists favorite place but after earthquake of 2005, those areas suffered incomparable loss but nothing had been done for their re-construction and redevelopment. Poor disaster management caused a loss to the tourism industry. Terrorism Pakistan has become an unsafe place due to ever-increasing terrorist attacks. That is another major factor that is not only damaging the repute of Pakistan in the world but also causing its tourism industry to a decline. Changing Weather Global warming and pollution has caused to change the climate and weather conditions of Pakistan. The northern areas and snowy mountains have started loosing their beauty.

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So tourists are now attracted towards places having good weather and proper tourism facilities. Rising Inflation Inflation is considered another major cause of the failure of tourism industry. The hotel owners have to increase the price of food because of ever increasing prices of goods. High priced food has made Pakistan a place that is beyond the reach and affordability of tourists. Tourism industry in Pakistan needs special steps to be taken for its betterment because it can serve as a source of developed economy. In spite of the above mentioned problems and factors tourism industry is still surviving as Pakistan has been ranked at 39th place for ground transport infrastructure. It shows that a little bit of attention can make it one of the largest industries of Pakistan.

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