A two-day Pakistan Travel and Tourism Symposium organized by Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) in collaboration with World Bank Group Pakistan and other supporting partner organizations was held at PNCA Islamabad from 10 to 11 June, 2024.
The symposium having the theme “Building the National Economy through Tourism” was attended by more than 400 delegations from across Pakistan and more than 20 foreign delegates from USA, UK, Europe, Middle East and Far Eastern countries.
The mega event was designed to explore and enhance critical facets of the tourism sector, with a focus on green investments, improving connectivity, perception building of Pakistan as tourist destination, tourism education and research, promotion of responsible tourism, and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.
The opening ceremony of the symposium was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan. While addressing the participants, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said that the incumbent government is committed to develop tourism sector across the country and is also working on different projects in all the provinces to ensure the sustainable and eco-friendly growth of this sector for the socio-economic development and employment generation for the people of Pakistan.
He also said, “I am pleased to see the presence of a large number of stakeholders of Pakistan tourism industry who have joined us to share their ideas for the growth of tourism section for the economic well-being of the country.”
He also congratulated Aftab ur Rehman Rana, MD, PTDC and his team for working hard to organize this important event with the support of World Bank, Green Tourism and other partner organizations and expressed his satisfaction that this noble effort will be instrumental in shaping the future of tourism in Pakistan.
While speaking on the occasion, Cabinet Division Additional Secretary Hammad Shamimi said that we are committed to making Pakistan a top tourist destination. “Our efforts include improving infrastructure, facilitating connectivity, and fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages investment in the tourism sector”.
PTDC MD Aftab ur Rehman in his keynote address welcomed all the distinguished guests and said this symposium serves as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among industry stakeholders, policymakers, and international experts. “It is through such collaborative efforts that we can devise innovative strategies, promote sustainable practices, and ensure that tourism contributes significantly to our national economy.”
ECO Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Jandos Asanov in his address extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, especially the PTDC for inviting their delegation to this important gathering.
He said that the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) aims to enhance its Member States’ economies through sustainable development. He added that Pakistan offers very attractive opportunities for tourism investments, especially for adventure and mountain tourism.
The symposium featured eight different panel discussions on different topics. National and international experts participated in these panel discussions and shared their ideas and roadmaps for the promotion of tourism at various levels and for introducing Pakistan’s tourist destinations and opportunities to the world.
The symposium also presented colorful cultural performances which entertained the audience depicting the music, heritage and cultures of the provinces and regions including Sindh, Punjab, KPK, Baluchistan, GB and AJ Kashmir.
The symposium also included a captivating “Tourism Expo” which provided an opportunity to the participants to explore the rich tourism potential of Pakistan and its different regions through booths and stalls showcasing diverse attractions by the provincial tourism departments and private tour operator, airlines and hospitality industry companies. Educational and hospitality training institutes like COTHM Global and Rifahah University were also a part of the expo.
Moreover, COTHM Global, a leading tourism and hospitality training institute, also organized a Culinary Show where students showcased their culinary skills for two days.
During the event, the provincial tourism departments informed the participants about the tourism destinations in their provinces and the investment opportunities.
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, in his closing remarks, said that he would put all the suggestions given by the participants and stakeholders of the conference before Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif so that the problems faced in the tourism sector can be solved urgently.
In his closing address, Aftab ur Rehman Rana said the purpose of the event was to bring together tourism stakeholders to benefit from each other’s experiences and develop a joint strategy. The recommendations coming out in the symposium would be shared with the relevant forums, he said adding that it is agreed in the symposium that the establishment of a full-fledged ministry regarding tourism in Pakistan is the need of the hour.
