ISLAMABAD, Feb 16: Pakistan should establish a training institute for tourist guides to improve the profession and promote the major foreign exchange earning industry.

This was stated by Murtaza Khan, a young tourist guide from Gojal-Hunza while talking to Dawn after returning from Nepal where he participated in an international leader training workshop.

Tirawa Himalaya, a French travel agent in coordination with Himalayan Society had organised the conference in Kathmando from January 9-17. The conference dealt with the leadership training for the trekking guides.

“There is a lot of potential in Northern Areas that needs to be exploited,” Mr Murtaza said.

Participants from seven countries — India, Bhutan, Pakistan, Tibet (China), Mongolia, Morocco, Turkey and Nepal — discussed various issues pertaining to trekking tourism and training to guides, he said.

The Pakistani team was led by Tayyeb Syed, CEO of Karavan Leaders. The group visited Rolwaling, Dolakha for trekking, where they learnt about the techniques of trek.