Govt committed to facilitating tourists: PTDC

Rawalpindi

The present democratic government under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is committed to facilitate tourists as the promotion of tourism industry would not only help revive the economy but also remove any misconceptions about Pakistan.

This was said by Ch. Abdul Ghafoor Khan, Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), while addressing the World Tourism Day 2016 Seminar and Photo Exhibition organised by PTDC here Tuesday. He added that we are working hard to improve infrastructure and facilities which will definitely increase tourist flow to the country.

He said that World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on September 27 under the theme declared by UNWTO. The theme “Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility” is most appropriate theme in present scenario for the very reason that Pakistan and China are in progress to develop China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). There are no two views on the importance of sustainable development of tourism industry as major source of foreign exchange earner, a tool of job creation and poverty alleviation and above all creating harmony among people from different parts of the country. Its ability to sustain even the poorest in the economic ladder have been proven many times. The corridor can act as a regional institution to boost bilateral relations. The improved law and order situation in country has certainly paved the way for positive changes to come, including a healthy influx of international visitors to Pakistan. The government is also working on reviving PTDC as National Tourism Organisation. New Role PTDC shall include interprovincial coordination in tourism marketing on national international level, tourism planning and policymaking, tourism market research etc. besides its normal functions. With these efforts, I give you my word that Pakistan will appear as the brightest star of tourism in the world.

Guest speakers were Col (r) Manzoor Hussain, President Alpine Club of Pakistan; Ms. Jehan Ara Mueen, Secretary Adventure Foundation Pakistan; Irfan Ullah Baig, President Pakistan Association of Tour Operators; Hamid Subhani, Director Operations, Islamabad Hotel, and Agha Iqrar Haroon, Honorary President, The Region Initiative (TRI) made presentations on theme of the day.

The photo exhibition was inaugurated by Ch. Abdul Ghafoor. The exhibition will remain open till September 28 evening.