Community Perspective for Sustainable Development at Tourism Destinations in Pakistan: The Case Study from Swat Valley

Abstract

Tourism has grown gradually globally and in Pakistan, affecting a mass population. It is universally accepted that tourism has led to economic development. However, tourism has social, cultural, and environmental effects beyond the economic effects. The importance of sustainability in the communities, particularly in the tourism sector, must be understood and critically analyzed. This study examines tourism's economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts on local communities. Using primary data from 140 households in the Swat district (Bahrain, Madyan, Kalam, and Mingora), Pakistan, data was collected through a structured questionnaire to capture these multifaceted impacts. The community's perception revealed that tourism has positive and significant economic and cultural impacts, with 70% of the population directly linked to tourism for their livelihood. Nearly 59% of respondents, primarily involved in business, reported earning an average monthly income of PKR 40,000–60,000. However, occupations like agriculture and transportation are relatively low-paying. Tourism's social impacts showed adverse effects, with 54% reporting overcrowding and congestion as significant issues, while 73% acknowledged inflation as a primary concern. Environmentally, 75% of respondents reported traffic congestion, 67% mentioned crowd-related issues, and 50% highlighted litter and sewage disposal as significant problems. In contrast, deforestation and wildlife disruption were less affected. Cultural impacts were mixed, with 55% believing tourism has not significantly altered local traditions, while 45% thought otherwise. Security improvements were a major driver for increased tourism (64%), followed by infrastructure development (18%). Job creation was predominantly attributed to the hotel and restaurant sectors (60%), while private investment accounted for 87% of local development. This study underscores the complex interplay of tourism's economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to balance benefits with challenges.