Role of Accommodation in Tourism Development in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Abstract

The importance of well-planned accommodation in tourism development is a crucial consideration for countries that attract thousands of tourists annually. Pakistan, in particular, must address this question, given the significant tourism growth, especially in its northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan. The objective of this study was to examine the role of the accommodation sector in tourism development in Gilgit-Baltistan. The study was carried out by using the mixed method by distributing a self-administered questionnaire among the tourists, accommodation facilities and suppliers. The acquired data revealed that the accommodation sector plays a vital role in tourism development and local economic development. Moreover, accommodation facilities have increased in significant numbers but many are unattractive concrete structures that threaten the region's future tourism development. These structures fail to showcase the rich and unique local cultural heritage, risking the loss of the region's essence. Future accommodation facilities must be innovative to enhance overall tourist satisfaction by building eco-friendly accommodations with adherence to building codes.