In a historic achievement for Pakistan, Lahore has been officially selected as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2027 during the 6th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Tourism, held in Erzurum, Türkiye — the current ECO Tourism Capital for 2025.
The high-profile meeting brought together tourism ministers and senior officials from nine member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), as well as representatives from the ECO Secretariat, ECO Observers, the Organization of Turkic States, and the Turkish Cypriot State.
The session commenced with welcoming remarks by Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan, Secretary General of ECO, who emphasized the vital role of tourism in fostering regional integration. H.E. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye, outlined Türkiye’s strategies for strengthening its tourism sector and expanding regional cooperation.
Pakistan’s Strong Representation and Vision
Leading Pakistan’s delegation, MNA Ali Zahid Khan highlighted the immense tourism potential of the ECO region. “All ECO member states are rich in natural, cultural, and historical assets,” he stated. “By leveraging these resources, we can drive socio-economic development, enhance people-to-people contacts, and promote peace and prosperity across the region.”
He further informed the gathering that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan is implementing a comprehensive tourism promotion strategy aligned with ECO Vision 2025, aiming to position tourism as a major driver of economic growth and sustainable development.
Lahore’s Winning Presentation
Pakistan’s delegation delivered an acclaimed multimedia presentation showcasing Lahore’s vibrant cultural, historical, and architectural heritage. The presentation received wide appreciation, leading to the unanimous selection of Lahore as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2027.
Key Developments and Declarations
The meeting also:
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Reviewed the progress of regional tourism cooperation under the ECO framework.
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Discussed tourism-related components of ECO’s forthcoming strategic vision for the next decade.
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Launched the 1st Edition of the ECO Tourism Investment Guide, aimed at attracting investments and enhancing tourism opportunities across the region.
A significant outcome was the adoption of the “Erzurum Declaration,” reaffirming member states’ commitment to advancing regional tourism cooperation and outlining strategic priorities for the future.
Pakistan’s Delegation
The Pakistani delegation included:
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MNA Ali Zahid Khan (Head of Delegation)
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Mr. Syed Ashiq Kirmani, Minister of Agriculture Punjab
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Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director, PTDC
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Mr. Farid Tarar, Secretary Tourism Punjab
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Dr. Nasir Mehmood, Managing Director, TDCP
H.E. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy concluded the meeting by expressing gratitude for the participation of all delegates and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening ECO tourism ties.
