Exploring Tourism in Baltistan: Impacts on Economy, Environment, and Society

Abstract

Gilgit Baltistan has become a famous tourist spot for both national and international tourists. The influx of tourists can produce positive impacts such as stimulating economic growth, inflowing investment, and cultural exchange. However, it can also degrade our ecosystem and hybrid indigenous socio-cultural system. Local communities can observe these impacts directly. This descriptive study aims to explore how the local community in the Baltistan division perceives the impacts of the tourism sector on their economy, environment, and socio-cultural setting. Primary data was collected with the help of a survey and disproportionate stratified sampling. After a pilot study, 102 sample sizes were used to analyze the data. The result showed a positive perception of the local community on economic development and a negative on the environment and socio-cultural setting of the region. Several policy measures such as effective pricing mechanisms, awareness campaigns, and public-private partnerships for socio-economic development, are suggested for sustainable tourism development in the region.