Accelerate tourism initiatives in priority areas: Prime Minister directs prompt initiation
Pakistan Unveils Ambitious Tourism Vision to Boost Economic Growth
Pakistan is set to position its tourism sector as a major driver of economic growth, with the government announcing a bold vision to transform the country into a regional hub for religious, medical, and leisure tourism.
The vision, unveiled by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, involves the immediate launch of fast-track tourism projects in key regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad. The plan includes identifying 20 new tourist destinations for phased development and hosting a National Tourism Expo and Investment Conference in Islamabad to attract industry stakeholders.
Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, the Prime Minister’s National Coordinator on Tourism, presented a comprehensive roadmap for this transformation. The plan focuses on achieving early tangible results, developing new tourist destinations across the country, promoting tourism sectors including religious pilgrimage, medical tourism, and leisure activities, organizing national events to boost investment, and highlighting Pakistan’s varied geography and heritage.
The comprehensive, practical roadmap was met with praise at a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office. Attendees included key federal cabinet members such as Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, Culture and Heritage Minister Aurangzeb Khichi, Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant Huzefa Rehman, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and Principal Secretary Dr Tauqir Shah.
The vision was described as "timely and practical" by those present. Under this vision, Pakistan's diverse natural and cultural assets, such as snow-capped mountains, ancient civilizations, deserts, forests, rivers, and a vast coastline, will be leveraged to attract tourists and boost the economy.
With this ambitious plan, Pakistan aims to tap into untapped opportunities for economic revival, positioning itself as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking unique experiences.
- To boost economic growth, Pakistan is positioning its tourism sector as a major driver, featuring fast-track projects and identifying 20 new tourist destinations for development.
- With this growth, the country aims to expand its finance sector, attracting investors through a National Tourism Expo and Investment Conference hosted in Islamabad.
- By leveraging their diverse assets such as snow-capped mountains, ancient civilizations, and a vast coastline, Pakistan hopes to improve its business prospects, positioning itself as a must-visit destination.
- With increased tourism and economic growth, the lifestyle of the Pakistani people, along with the overall business climate, is expected to improve, encouraging more travel to the region.
