Lahore Selected as ECO Tourism Capital 2027 at Prestigious Ministerial Meeting in Erzurum
Tanveer Ahmed:
Lahore: In a significant accomplishment for Pakistan, Lahore has been officially chosen as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2027 during the 6th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Tourism, held in Erzurum — designated as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2025. The event brought together tourism ministers, senior officials from nine ECO member states, and representatives from the ECO Secretariat, ECO Observers, the Organization of Turkic States, and the Turkish Cypriot State.
The session commenced with opening remarks from Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan, ECO Secretary General, who underlined the critical role of tourism in promoting regional integration. Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, H.E. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, shared his country’s strategies for boosting the tourism sector.
Leading Pakistan’s delegation, MNA Ali Zahid Khan emphasized the vast tourism potential across ECO member states, highlighting their rich natural, cultural, and historical resources. “By capitalizing on these shared assets, we can foster socio-economic growth, strengthen people-to-people ties, and advance peace and prosperity in the region,” he stated.
Ali Zahid Khan also detailed Pakistan’s comprehensive tourism promotion strategy under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, aligned with ECO Vision 2025, aimed at making tourism a key pillar of sustainable economic development.
Pakistan’s delegation delivered a highly praised multimedia presentation showcasing Lahore’s dynamic cultural and historical heritage, leading to the city’s unanimous selection as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2027.
Participants also reviewed the progress of regional tourism collaboration within the ECO framework and discussed strategic elements for the next decade. One of the key highlights of the meeting was the launch of the first edition of the ECO Tourism Investment Guide, aimed at attracting tourism investment across the region.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the “Erzurum Declaration,” reiterating the commitment of ECO member states to enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector and setting future priorities.
Pakistan’s delegation included MNA Ali Zahid Khan; Syed Ashiq Kirmani, Punjab’s Minister of Agriculture; Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director of PTDC; Farid Tarar, Secretary Tourism Punjab; and Dr. Nasir Mehmood, Managing Director TDCP.
H.E. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy expressed gratitude to all delegates for their participation and reaffirmed Türkiye’s dedication to strengthening cooperation within the ECO tourism community.
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