Home»PAKISTAN TRAVEL NEWS» Pakistan Joins Russia and Central Asia to Boost Tourism with New Rail and Road Links: Know More About It
Friday, July 4, 2025
All of Pakistan’s current plans regarding road and rail connectivity with Russia and the regions of Central Asia hold much deeper potential than simple commerce and logistics: they hold the potential to reinvigorate Pakistan’s tourism industry. As new fast and efficient routes open up Pakistan to Russia and the regions of the Central Asia and onwards, foreign tourists will increasingly find it easy to get to one of Pakistan’s most beautiful natural landscapes and archeological sites. As new corridors open up, Pakistan will increasingly become a destination of necessity for travelers from Russia and the regions of the Central Asia and so forth.
The exciting collaboration between Pakistan and Russia aims to create a seamless road and rail network linking Pakistan’s warm-water ports to landlocked Central Asian countries and Russia, boosting regional connectivity. But the most exciting aspect of this project is how it will enable tourists to experience the rich cultural diversity, adventurous landscapes, and historic sites Pakistan has to offer.
A New Era of Accessible Adventure: Railways and Roads Connecting Pakistan
The newly proposed road and rail networks will offer a game-changing solution for international travelers, particularly from Central Asia and Russia. These new routes will reduce travel time and open up access to Pakistan’s northern mountains, cultural hubs, and heritage sites, making them much more accessible to foreign visitors. For instance, popular destinations like Hunza, Skardu, and Swat Valley — renowned for their awe-inspiring natural beauty — will become even more appealing for trekkers, eco-tourists, and cultural explorers.
As Minister Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted during the agreement, Pakistan is focusing on the digitization of its transport system, including e-tagging and CCTV surveillance, ensuring both efficiency and security for travelers. With the modernization of roadways and railways, travel to Pakistan’s most remote and picturesque regions will be easier, quicker, and safer, encouraging an influx of adventure tourism and eco-tourism.
Russia and Central Asia: Direct Access to South Asia’s Hidden Gems
One of the most exciting prospects for Russian and Central Asian tourists is the newfound ease of access to Pakistan’s historical and natural treasures. The rail and road projects will create direct connections from these regions to Pakistan’s bustling cities and scenic landscapes, making it easier for tourists to explore everything from Islamabad’s rich Islamic heritage to the rugged beauty of the Karakoram Highway.
The Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) rail project, linking Pakistan with Central Asia through Afghanistan, is especially important. This rail link will not only facilitate trade but also provide Central Asian tourists with a direct route to explore Pakistan’s cultural and natural diversity. The convenience of traveling via rail will attract a new wave of international visitors who wish to immerse themselves in the local traditions, breathtaking mountain vistas, and ancient architectural wonders Pakistan has to offer.
A New Gateway for Cultural and Heritage Tourism
Pakistan is home to some of the most remarkable historical sites in the world, many of which remain unexplored by international tourists due to accessibility challenges. With improved road and rail networks, these sites, including Lahore’sShalimar Gardens, Karachi’s bustling markets, and the ancient Buddhist ruins of Gandhara, will be more accessible to travelers seeking cultural experiences. The enhanced infrastructure will also make it easier to visit regions with rich ethnic diversity, such as the Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions, known for their fascinating tribal traditions and historical significance.
Additionally, Russian tourists, who have a long tradition of interest in South Asian culture, will now find it much easier to explore Pakistan’s museums, art galleries, and local festivals. The improved connectivity will likely lead to an increase in cultural tourism, where visitors can explore the country’s diverse arts, traditional handicrafts, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Eco-Tourism: A Growing Opportunity for Nature Enthusiasts
One of the most exciting opportunities emerging from these infrastructure projects is the growth of eco-tourism in Pakistan. Known for its diverse landscapes ranging from lush valleys to towering mountain ranges, Pakistan is already a sought-after destination for trekkers and nature lovers. The improved road and rail networks will make regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan, Swat, and Murree more accessible for eco-tourism. These areas are famous for their pristine rivers, forests, and snow-capped peaks, and now, with the Russia-Pakistan connectivity, more international tourists will be able to access these remote, stunning locations.
For example, the Hunza Valley — already popular for its scenic beauty and serene environment — will now be within reach for more international visitors, making it a key destination for mountain tourism, hiking, and wildlife observation. With the influx of international tourists, there will likely be an increase in sustainable travel practices, with a focus on preserving the environment while promoting economic growth in these regions.
The Economic and Tourism Synergy
The economic benefits of these infrastructure projects extend well beyond trade. As the roads and railways become more accessible, Pakistan is likely to experience a boost in inbound tourism, with tourists spending on hotels, restaurants, and local crafts, stimulating local economies. Small towns and villages that were previously cut off from major transportation routes will also benefit, as tourism dollars flow into areas that were once hard to reach.
For the tourism industry, this connectivity will not only result in a steady flow of visitors but will also encourage longer stays as tourists can now easily access multiple destinations within the country. Whether it’s visiting the historical sites of Lahore, trekking in the Himalayas, or exploring the natural beauty of Karimabad, tourists will be able to experience Pakistan in a way that was previously difficult to achieve.
Moreover, tourism partnerships with Russia and Central Asia will encourage cultural exchange and joint tourism promotions, further elevating Pakistan as a global tourism destination.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Tourism in Pakistan
The collaboration of Pakistan, Russia, and the region of Central Asia has immense potential for the reconstruction of Pakistan’s tourism industry. By improved connectivity, the tourists from around the world can now discover and explore the hidden gems of Pakistan with more facilitations. Improved tourism flow will not only benefit the local economies but also enable more cross-cultural contacts and regional peace and stability.
Pakistan’s resolve to advance its transportation infrastructure with the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage is thus going to make the country increasingly fashionable as a destination. As fresh routes of accessibility for tourists are offered with proposals for rails and roadways, Pakistan is likely to be the destination of choice for adventure, history, culture, and natural beauty buffs alike.
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With ‘a variety of cultures, breathtaking scenery and vibrant cities that are as colourful as they are diverse, there’s never a dull moment in Asia,’ the site offers its readers a choice of summer getaways. Here’s a roundup of the best 10 summer travel destinations in Asia that provide unforgettable experiences, relaxation, adventure and culture.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali Indonesia -always features as one of the best places to take a trip in Asia, with its wonderful beaches,tapping temples, and Malaysian culture and stunning rainforests. There’s great seafood and water sports at Jimbaran Bay, and luxury resorts, surfing and a party scene in Seminyak. Otherwise, Ubud is a tranquil escape into the cultural heart and soul of the island, complete with photogenic rice terraces, a traditional art market, yoga retreats, and sacred temples such as Uluwatu and Tanah Lot.
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket Thailand’s largest island is famous for its white-sand beaches, opulent resorts and party vibe. Beach bums head to Patong Beach, but the quieter sands of Kata or Karon are also favored. Adventure-minded travellers can also hop between nearby islands on speedboat tours, or go scuba diving to see vibrant coral reefs and sea life up close.
Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam
Vietnam’s Hạ Long Bay, a Unesco World Heritage site, is filled with towering limestone islands that seem to rise from emerald waters. Visitors who book cruises on little Lan Ha Bay can sleep on overnight boats, discover intimate caves unseen by the masses, and kayak through sheltered lagoons and visit floating villages to learn how indigenous fishing families live. It’s memorable for all nature buffs as there’s grand nature beauty on the platter!
Seoul, South Korea
A hangover master mix of modern and old-school. Visitors can explore ancient palaces, participating in shows performed in them; traditional neighborhoods; or the modern bustle of Korea, like the nightlife and shopping of Myeongdong. It’s the kind of place where foodies will be able to taste fooditing Korean food anywhere from street food vendors to Michelin starred tables and enjoy a perfect trip that will be etched in their memories forever.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto \xe2\x80\x94 the cultural capital of Japan, known for ancient temples, zen gardens and streets of cobbles-straight preserved historic architecture. Among its iconic sites are Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), a glittering structure that is the only one of its kind in the world; the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove; and the historic Gion district, center of geisha culture. An old school tea ceremony, real food and still parks would enlighten a visitor in culture.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap serves as a door to the stunning Temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s link to its past. Adventurers can plunge into some of the world’s oldest ruins, wander among the hawker-happy markets showcasing local crafts or enjoy classical Khmer dance performances. And some tasty treats in Siem Reap really add to the experience while tasting the flavors that emanate from Cambodia’s special cultural make-up.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi is a place to simply relax and soak up the sun, take a dip in the sea, swim, jet-ski and eat basically. Nature lovers can explore mangrove swamps, jungle trails or take in the island from panoramic cable car rides. Langkawi offers the best of both worlds – from luxury and adventure to natural beauty.
Palawan, Philippines
Palawan – This charming province in the Philippines offers beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and an abundance of wildlife. Key destinations include El Nido and Coron’s lagoons and limestone cliffs, as well as the globally-recognized Underground River in Puerto Princesa. There are diving and snorkelling experiences here which bring to life the abundant coral reefs and marine life.
Singapore
It’s also a city of contrasts: skyscrapers abutting lush urban parks, conversations in a dozen languages, historic neighborhoods rubbing elbows with new immigrants. With icons like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and the Orchard Road shopping district, Singapore is one of a cosmopolitan city. Hawker centers also draw artificial foodies searching for the most authentic local flavors.
Maldives
The Maldives The epitome of tropical luxury, the Maldives are globally recognised for their crystal-clear lagoons, powdery white-sand beaches and overwater villas. From its quiet beaches and all-inclusive resorts, to adventures in the deep blue of the Caribbean, there is something for newlyweds and honeymooners to love whether it’s romance, relaxation, or some of the best diving in the world.Bonaire is synonymous with paradise. Snorkeling, diving and sun-set cruise are just a few of the nature-based activities that are offered that are simply inspiring in the world of natural wonders.
All of the destinations are only some of the qualities that have proved we are people of the heart of Asia – that’s its colour, diversity and places to go and make love in, in the coming months.
Two experts take us through the online travel landscape that’s unfolding in the US, and in the region, and share tips on how agents can build up their Web presence. Jennifer Welker reports. 12 Oct 2000
What do the top three US websites, Amazon, eBay and Travelocity have in common? None of them are profitable – yet.
Patrick Lai, vice president of e-commerce, Abacus International, said there were three phases to Internet evolution.
The first phase is to have a presence on the Net, the second to create partnerships with other websites to bring more people to one’s own site and finally to start doing real business in the third phase.
“No one is there yet in terms of phase three. Most travel sites are still in the first phase and moving on to the second phase. Survival depends on how deep their pockets are,” Lai said.
Although money is the driving force behind website survival, many companies in the US and abroad are paying the price for being seen on the Internet by an emerging audience.
Peter Styn, director of AC Nielson eRatings.com, has examined global Internet usage in the US over the past five years and 62 percent of all global users were from the US alone, in 1995.
Today, that percentage is down to 40 percent and, in 2005, Styn predicted that figure would drop to 27 percent.
These percentages are a reflection of Internet usage worldwide and certainly an encouraging sign to Internet companies which want to be viewed around the world.
Looking specifically at travel sites, there are significant increases in online travel browsing and bookings. AC Nielson eRatings.com keeps track of the “looker vs booker” rates to determine the activity at each travel site.
“It is interesting to note that 94 percent of the Travelbase.com audience is coming from referrals,” Styn said.
“The Travelbase.com portal is Yahoo.com, and this is evidence that the popularity of this travel site is linked to the portal.”
There are two basic types of travel sites: single-purpose and multi-purpose. Styn said single-purpose sites were designed for airlines or hotels while multi-purpose sites were one-stop shops with “full services” offering links to other sites.
“Such partnerships are crucial for success.
Most are currently single supplier sites, offering just one airline or hotel and this creates restrictions for the user. To survive, they will have to change to multiple supplier sites,” he said.
Other challenges US online travel sites are facing is handling the more complicated longhaul journeys, Styn said.
Most sites offer simple point A to B itineraries and cannot carry out complex, longhaul bookings. Styn predicted that more alliance sites will be created for the airlines which are forming partnerships.
Further as airlines grow uneasy with websites such as Travelocity.com and Priceline.com, he said they were buying into new sites such as Orbitz and Hotwire to compete.
Since the online travel industry was relatively new to Asia and Internet companies wre only just beginning to collect database information on their audiences, Styn said that eRatings was currently analysing the development of the websites and comparing them to the traditional practices of travel preparation.
Home»ASIA» Jeminay Port’s Tourism Surge: China-Kazakhstan Visa Exemption Attracts Thousands
Friday, July 18, 2025
The China-Kazakhstan border has seen a boost in tourism traffic in 2025 after China and Kazakhstan agreed to allow their citizens to travel without a visa. Jeminay Port, as a key portal in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, has also turned into a hot spring for cross-border travelers. The measure allows people from either country to visit the other for 30 days without a visa, promoting a more fluid movement and economic interchange.
Cross-border travel through Xinjiang’s Altay region has spiked in the wake of the policy at Jeminay Port. The port had seen over 49,000 tourists and 12,000 vehicles by mid-July 2025, a record for this time of year. The daily crossing of the border has reached more than 830, thanks to the increasing willingness to travel back and forth between China and Kazakhstan, particularly in the summer vacation season.
Impact of the China-Kazakhstan Visa Exemption Policy
The China-Kazakhstan visa exemption policy, which came into effect earlier this year, has simplified cross-border travel, with a notable rise in tourism from both nations. According to official reports, this initiative is proving successful in driving cross-border tourism, with large groups and individual travelers taking advantage of the opportunity to explore new regions. Tour operators in Xinjiang have reported a sharp increase in travel consultations, particularly for Kazakhstan-themed packages that range from 1 to 30 days, demonstrating the growing interest in the region.
Xinjiang’s proximity to Kazakhstan, coupled with the ease of access now provided by the visa exemption, has made it an attractive destination for tourists looking to explore the cultural richness of both regions. The port has become a gateway for visitors from Kazakhstan to explore Xinjiang’s vast natural landscapes and historical sites, while also offering easy access for Chinese tourists to discover the cultural treasures of Kazakhstan.
Rising Popularity of Cross-Border Tours
The rise in tourism has not been confined to just one sector. Self-driving tours, in particular, have experienced a boom, with many tourists opting for flexible, independent travel between the two countries. Tour operators in Xinjiang have responded to this demand by expanding their offerings to cater to a wider range of travelers. This trend reflects the growing demand for customized experiences that blend local culture and international exploration.
Travel agencies have noticed a sharp rise in self-driving tours between Jeminay Port and Kazakhstan, particularly in May and June. The growth in self-guided tours demonstrates the changing preferences of travelers who now seek more freedom and flexibility in planning their itineraries. As a result, local tour companies are now offering packages that cater specifically to the needs of these travelers, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.
Efforts to Facilitate the Surge in Tourism
In response to the surge in cross-border tourism, Jeminay Port authorities have undertaken a series of measures to ensure smooth operations and a positive experience for travelers. The Jeminay Port Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station has introduced several optimizations to manage the increased flow of tourists effectively. These include forecasting travel waves, which helps to ensure that peak travel times are managed more efficiently, and providing clear procedural guides for travelers to follow.
Furthermore, the border inspection station has implemented seasonal staffing adjustments to cope with the influx of visitors during peak months. Special “green channels” have been established for vulnerable groups, allowing for expedited processing to minimize waiting times and improve the overall experience for travelers.
Cultural Tourism Development and Future Plans
Looking ahead, the cultural tourism authorities in Xinjiang are focusing on developing combined “domestic plus international” travel products. These products aim to highlight Xinjiang’s natural beauty while offering easy access to neighboring destinations like Kazakhstan. The integration of domestic and international travel experiences will help create a more cohesive and attractive tourism package, drawing visitors from both within China and beyond.
The growth of cross-border tourism between China and Kazakhstan is not only beneficial for the tourism sector but is also expected to have significant positive impacts on the local economy. The increased number of tourists brings business opportunities to local hotels, restaurants, and attractions, boosting the region’s economy and fostering greater cultural exchange between the two nations.
Optimizing Travel Infrastructure for Continued Growth
The rapid growth in tourism has placed pressure on local infrastructure, but efforts are underway to address these challenges. Authorities have invested in improving transportation facilities, including enhancing roadways and transit systems that connect Jeminay Port to key tourist destinations. These improvements will help ensure that the region can accommodate growing visitor numbers in the future while maintaining high standards of service.
Local authorities are also working to promote the region’s rich cultural heritage, including ancient temples, traditional markets, and scenic landscapes, as part of their broader strategy to position Xinjiang as a major destination for international tourists. This approach aligns with the national goal of boosting tourism and fostering cultural diplomacy, both of which are critical for the long-term success of the sector.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Cross-Border Tourism
Rapidly rising tourist flows at Jeminay Port are proof of the increasing popularity of cross-border travel between China and Kazakhstan. The launching of the 30-day mutual visa waiver scheme has contributed significantly to this trend, and ongoing efforts to improve tourism-related infrastructure in the region will continue to make the area more appealing as a destination. As travel culture keeps developing, the future of tourism between Xinjiang and Kazakhstan will have an encouraging prospect and broaden with ever deeper cultural exchanges.
References: China National Tourism Administration, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Kazakhstan Ministry of Culture and Sports
