Abstract

Tourism contribute significantly to global economy. Travelling and tourism contribute 10.3% of the global GDP and is growing much faster (3.5%) than the global economy growth rate (2.5%). Pakistan has great potential of developing tourism industry and uplifting economic conditions of the people, especially involving local communities. This research used qualitative research approach and conducted survey of Gilgit-Baltistan by taking semi-structured interviews of locals and local government officials in order to find that are there barriers to community participation in the region. The findings indicate that there are structural and external barriers (operational) which hinder community participation. The respondent’s replies show that the structural barriers are not that of problem to them but operational barriers and cultural barriers are of main concerns to the locals