Pakistan Travel and Tourism Symposium Focuses on Sustainable Growth
Tanveer Ahmed:
Islambad: The two-day Pakistan Travel and Tourism Symposium, organized by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and World Bank Pakistan, began at the Pakistan National Council of Arts on Monday. The symposium, themed “Building the National Economy through Tourism,” drew over 20 foreign delegates and more than 400 national and international tourism professionals, industry experts, and decision-makers. The event aimed to develop a sustainable growth roadmap for Pakistan’s tourism industry.
A tourism expo was also held to showcase Pakistan’s rich tourism potential, creating government-to-government (G2G), business-to-business (B2B), and government-to-business (G2B) linkages among industry stakeholders. Discussions focused on critical facets of the tourism sector, including green investments, improving connectivity, responsible tourism, and conservation of natural and cultural heritage.
The opening ceremony featured key figures such as Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Minister for Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives Sindh Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, and Additional Secretary Cabinet Division Hammad Shamimi as chief guests. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted Pakistan’s diverse culture and natural beauty, emphasizing the government’s commitment to developing the tourism sector for socio-economic development and employment generation. He stressed the potential to engage youth in the tourism and hospitality workforce and the importance of policies offering quality education, vocational training, and skilled employment in the sector.
Additional Secretary Hammad Shamimi reiterated the government’s commitment to making Pakistan a top tourist destination by improving infrastructure, facilitating connectivity, and fostering a business-friendly environment. He emphasized promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices to preserve natural and cultural heritage.
Managing Director of PTDC, Aftab ur Rehman, welcomed the guests and highlighted the crucial role of tourism in economic and social development. He expressed hope that the symposium would produce strategic frameworks, policy recommendations, and collaborative initiatives for sustainable tourism growth. Deputy Secretary General of ECO, Jandos Asanov, praised Pakistan’s tourism potential and emphasized the importance of long-term investments in tourism infrastructure.
The symposium featured four panel discussions on green investments in tourism, improving connectivity, responsible tourism, and tourism product diversification. A tourism expo showcased Pakistan’s attractions, and a culinary show by COTHM Global highlighted students’ culinary skills.
About Author
