CHINA-PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC): TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Economic corridors have become an important driver of sustainable growth and development in many countries. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a major project that connects China and Pakistan via an extensive rail and road network. It covers a distance from Gwadar to Kashgar and provides economic and strategic advantages to Pakistan, while also promoting regional development and tourism. The potential of CPEC to foster tourism development has been evaluated, taking into consideration the cultural and heritage tourism prospects of the project. The study also includes a comparative analysis of CPEC tourism potential with similar infrastructure and economic development projects worldwide, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor. Furthermore, the impact of economic corridors on local communities has been examined, including the benefits and challenges of infrastructure and economic development initiatives with tourism development. The study highlights the critical role of regional cooperation, tourism development, cultural heritage, political stability, transparency, environmental impact assessment, and debt management in ensuring the success of such projects. Policymakers and stakeholders can draw useful insights from best practices and lessons learned from similar projects worldwide. Overall, the CPEC has the potential to promote tourism and cultural heritage, economic growth and transform the future of the region.Top of Form