South Asian Academy of Management

Panelists: Dr Jawad Syed (Professor, LUMS, and Moderator), Ms Shehnaz Gul (Lecturer, KIU), and Mr Tajir Hussain (Lecturer, KIU)

Date: 23 August 2023

Venue: Karakoram International University, Karimabad Campus, Hunza

Synopsis

This panel discussion explores the opportunities and challenges associated with the rapid growth of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan, with particular emphasis on responsible and sustainable tourism. Featuring Dr Jawad Syed of LUMS and Ms Shehnaz Gul and Mr Tajir Hussain of Karakoram International University (KIU), the conversation examines the shared responsibilities of tourists, host communities, government institutions, civil society organisations, universities, and tourism businesses in protecting the region’s distinctive natural, cultural, and social heritage.

The discussion highlights concerns arising from the rapid expansion of domestic tourism, including environmental pollution, plastic waste, reckless driving, disrespect for local cultures and religious diversity, harassment and privacy concerns, damage to historical sites, and pressure on fragile ecosystems and limited natural resources.

It also emphasises that responsibility does not rest with tourists alone. Local communities, businesses, and public institutions must address uncontrolled construction, inadequate infrastructure, weak tourism planning, land sales and long-term leases, and the risk that local communities may lose both ownership of their land and other resources and a fair share of tourism’s economic benefits.

A central theme is the need to move beyond viewing tourism simply in terms of hotels, guest houses, and increasing visitor numbers. The panel advocates a broader and more sustainable model encompassing cultural and heritage tourism, local cuisine, orchard-based experiences, wildlife and medicinal plant tourism, adventure activities, and opportunities to learn about Gilgit-Baltistan’s remarkable linguistic, ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity.

The discussion also underlines the importance of effective legislation, destination carrying capacity, stronger visitor management, environmentally appropriate construction, renewable energy, local ownership, community-based enterprises, affordable financing for local entrepreneurs, and greater collaboration among government, civil society, industry, and educational institutions.

Finally, the panel identifies universities as important catalysts for sustainable development. By developing locally relevant curricula and case studies, fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening industry collaboration, and helping students create innovative tourism products and experiences, universities can contribute to a tourism model that generates economic opportunities while safeguarding the environment, culture, identity, and resources of Gilgit-Baltistan for future generations.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

By reviewing this panel discussion, students should be able to:

• Identify and critically evaluate the key environmental, social, cultural, economic, and governance challenges associated with the rapid growth of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan.
• Analyse stakeholder responsibilities by examining the roles of tourists, local communities, businesses, government, civil society organisations, and educational institutions in promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.
• Evaluate strategic and policy alternatives concerning destination carrying capacity, hotel construction, waste management, land ownership and leasing, local economic participation, and external investment.
• Assess the opportunities and trade-offs involved in balancing tourism growth, environmental sustainability, cultural and religious diversity, community interests, and economic development.
• Develop practical recommendations for creating innovative and sustainable tourism products and entrepreneurial opportunities beyond conventional hotels and guest houses.

Suitable Program and Course

Program: BBA, MBA, Executive Education

Course: Sustainability and Responsible Management; Business and Society; Strategic Management; Entrepreneurship; Tourism and Hospitality Management; Public Policy and Governance; Leadership and Stakeholder Management.

Citation: Syed, J. (2026). Responsible and sustainable tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan: A panel discussion. South Asian Academy of Management.

Link to YouTube video (48 minutes):

Indicative Discussion Questions

1. What are the key concerns and challenges related to tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan highlighted by the panelists? Which of these appear most urgent, and why?
2. What responsibilities do tourists and local communities respectively have in making tourism more responsible and sustainable?
3. What steps should the government and local administration take to better regulate tourism, infrastructure, construction, waste, land use, and visitor numbers?
4. Should Gilgit-Baltistan restrict tourist numbers, hotel construction, land sales, or long-term leases to outside investors? What are the potential benefits, risks, and unintended consequences of such restrictions?
5. How can tourism move beyond hotels and guest houses to create innovative local enterprises and experiences based on culture, religious and linguistic diversity, orchards, cuisine, wildlife, medicinal plants, and adventure tourism?
6. What role should universities, schools, and colleges play in promoting responsible and sustainable tourism through curricula, local case studies, research, entrepreneurship education, and community engagement?