Under the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan, Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) has planned four mega projects - namely “Food Street”, “Amusement Theme Park”, “Water Sports” and “GDA Club Complex” - to transform Gwadar into a tourism hub. It aims at laying down the foundation of “modern tourism economy” under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

GDA official told Gwadar Pro that the business-friendly environment in Gwadar is ideal for businessmen for the mentioned ventures, where GDA will facilitate the investors in provision of land for development, long-term arrangements, fast-track approvals under the single window facility. “As per the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan, the west bay – the western part of Gwadar – is dedicated to Recreational & Commercial activities.

The spaces near west bay are already in use for traditional boat making, as public space for youth, and for playing local sports, with the scenic view of West Bey & Koh-e-Batil making it a unique and vibrant landscape,” he explained. A Ministry of Planning official said that establishment of the proposed Food Street, West Bay Gwadar on PPP Mode will also offer floating platforms & allied facilities for visitors in order to tap into the tourism potential, along this marine drive.

Food Street not only provides tourists with a chance to feast on diverse cuisines but also offers livelihoods for thousands of low-income people, making a great contribution to the local economy, he added. Amusement theme park, he said, will showcase some of the most beautiful, thrilling, and downright fun spots, mechanical rides and other recreational options for visitors.

In response to a query, he said that by integrating local themes especially Pakistan culture, Balochistan history, Gwadar dynamics and ocean life, it will attract a large number of visitors. A Gwadar Urban Planning official said that as per conceptualization, the amusement theme park will boast top-notch facilities like roller coasters, flat rides, carousels and dark rides.

By incorporating whimsical architecture, color, landscaping, characters, and other elements, park visitors will become part of stories rather than passive passengers on mechanical rides, he added GDA Urban planner Tariq Rid said that Gwadar Water Sports has immense potential to catalyze tourism trends in Gwadar.

With the construction of beach resorts and mesmerizing water fronts, water sports will open up new recreational vistas for national and international tourists. GDA Club Complex, which is equipped with gyms, sports gymnasiums, swimming pools and other leisure activities, will also make a difference, he added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China