- Sustainable coastal tourism can strengthen Pakistan’s Gross Marine Product and support fisheries, maritime transport, offshore resources
If we reimagine Pakistan’s tourism landscape, Pakistan often described as a land of breathtaking contrasts, stretches from the icy peaks of the north to the sun-kissed beaches of the Arabian Sea in the south. Over the past decade, the country’s northern regions like Hunza, Skardu, and Gilgit have become global favorites among trekkers and adventure tourists. Yet, the southern coastal belt remains largely overlooked, despite holding extraordinary potential for sustainable economic transformation.
As the world increasingly orients itself toward ocean-based development, Pakistan stands at the threshold of a new opportunity to embrace Blue Tourism, a dynamic part of the Blue Economy that focuses on coastal and marine tourism. If properly integrated into national planning, Blue Tourism could become a crucial driver of Pakistan’s Gross Marine Product (GMP) the total economic output derived from ocean-related activities, helping diversify the national economy, generate employment, and protect marine ecosystems.
Understanding Blue Tourism and the Gross Marine Product:
Blue Tourism encompasses all tourism activities connected with the ocean from beach recreation and marine sports to heritage, culture, and eco-education centered on marine environments. Globally, Blue Tourism contributes substantially to the Gross Marine Product, which is estimated at US $1.5 trillion annually, according to the OECD’s Blue Economy Outlook (2023). Tourism alone represents nearly 26 percent of this global GMP, making it one of the fastest-growing ocean-based industries. For Pakistan, the potential is equally significant. The country’s 1,046-kilometer coastline along Sindh and Balochistan hosts rich marine biodiversity, mangrove forests, islands, and fishing communities. If coastal tourism is developed sustainably, it could become a major contributor to Pakistan’s Gross Marine Product, complementing fisheries, maritime transport, and offshore resources as pillars of the national Blue Economy.
Pakistan’s Coastal and Marine Treasures:
Along the Sindh coast, Karachi offers both the energy of urban tourism and access to pristine marine environments. The stretch from Clifton to Manora and Mubarak Village could evolve into a coastal tourism corridor, blending eco-friendly resorts, heritage promenades, and sustainable water sports. Churna Island, already known to divers, could be upgraded to a certified marine recreation zone featuring coral conservation programs and educational tours. Further west, the Balochistan coast unfolds with golden beaches and turquoise waters like Ormara, Pasni, Kund Malir, and Gwadar stand out as natural gems. Astola Island, Pakistan’s first Marine Protected Area, shelters endangered marine turtles and coral habitats, making it an ideal site for eco-tourism and marine research. The region’s distinct geography and cultural heritage could turn it into a regional hub for maritime tourism, comparable to Oman’s Musandam or Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee coast. Meanwhile, the Indus Delta also stretching across Thatta and Keti Bunder offers a rare blend of history, ecology, and local culture. The area’s mangrove forests, bird sanctuaries, and fishing villages could anchor community-based tourism initiatives, empowering coastal populations through employment, crafts, and eco-guided experiences.
Blue Tourism as a Catalyst for Economic and Environmental Growth:
Tourism currently contributes around 5.9 percent to Pakistan’s GDP and supports nearly 3.8 million jobs (WTTC, 2024). With an effective Blue Tourism strategy, Pakistan could expand this contribution substantially and strengthen its Gross Marine Product. According to conservative projections, the coastal and marine tourism sector alone could add US $1.2 billion annually by 2035 through hotel development, marine recreation, and eco-ventures. Beyond revenue, Blue Tourism offers Pakistan a framework for environmental stewardship. Eco-tourism models, such as those implemented in the Maldives and Portugal, have proven that marine tourism can thrive alongside conservation. Introducing sustainable practices like waste-free beaches, renewable energy resorts, and coral restoration that can protect biodiversity while ensuring long-term economic viability.
Blue Tourism also supports regional connectivity. With the development of Gwadar Port under CPEC, maritime transport and cruise tourism could integrate Pakistan into the wider Indian Ocean tourism network, linking it with Oman, the UAE, and East Africa. These linkages will not only attract international visitors but also strengthen the country’s maritime identity and foreign exchange earnings.
| Year | Projected Blue Tourism Share of GMP (%) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 7% |
| 2030 | 10% |
| 2035 | 15% |
| Source: Author’s projections based on OECD (2023) Blue Economy Outlook, World Bank (2022) Pakistan Blue Economy Report, and UNESCAP (2023) Blue Economy Pathways for South Asia. | |
Challenges and Strategic Directions:
Despite of few efforts, Blue Tourism faces structural and environmental challenges. Pakistan’s beaches still lack adequate infrastructure, safety standards, and waste management systems. Environmental regulations are fragmented between provincial and federal authorities, and marine conservation awareness remains limited. It is recommended that, Pakistan must adopt a comprehensive Blue Tourism and Gross Marine Product Policy Framework. This policy should integrate marine spatial planning, promote green investments in hospitality, and strengthen partnerships between public and private sectors. Training programs for coastal youth in diving, eco-guiding, and marine safety can further local participation. Digital platforms showcasing virtual coastal tours, documentaries, and Blue Tourism packages can enhance global visibility.
A Vision for a Blue Pakistan:
Imagine tourists diving into the sapphire waters of Churna Island, sailing off the Gwadar Bay, or exploring the mangrove labyrinths of Keti Bunder, each experience blending adventure with conservation. Envision coastal communities benefitting from tourism revenues, students learning about marine ecosystems, and researchers documenting coral recovery under Pakistan’s first marine parks. This vision connects prosperity with preservation, economy with ecology, and culture with sustainability. Blue Tourism, as a strategic element of the Gross Marine Product, represents more than an economic opportunity but it is a national commitment to managing Pakistan’s seas responsibly.
By integrating tourism into the broader Blue Economy, Pakistan can transform its coastal belt into a global model of sustainable development, resilience, and innovation so it is concluded with the fact that, Pakistan’s coastal and marine zones hold vast untapped potential that can reshape the nation’s economic and environmental future. Embracing Blue Tourism offers a powerful pathway to diversify income sources, uplift coastal communities, and strengthen marine stewardship. With its unique blend of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and strategic location, Pakistan can position itself as a leader in sustainable maritime tourism. Realizing this vision requires cohesive policies, infrastructure investment, and active community engagement to balance growth with conservation. By turning its shores into hubs of eco-friendly recreation, education, and innovation, Pakistan can chart a course toward a resilient Blue Economy that benefits both people and the planet.