Pakistan needs to market itself as a tourist destination

Travel association official says country can benefit by promoting tourism

LAHORE: Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Chief Executive Officer Mario Hardy said that Pakistan needs to market itself as a tourism destination as it is endowed with beautiful landscapes and other attractions.

Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), he said that Pakistan is not as bad as it is portrayed, but it needs to highlight its soft image to the international community.



Also present on the occasion, Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) Managing Director Ahmer Malik said Pakistan is making progress in the sector and measures have been taken in this regard. He said that Pakistan missions abroad were engaged in attracting tourists.

“Visits of high-powered delegations to Pakistan and international conferences in Lahore are proof that the mindset of the international community towards Pakistan is taking a positive change,” said Malik.

He said that a regional tourism conference will soon be held in Lahore, which will help highlight the tourism potential of Pakistan.

LCCI Vice President Nasir Saeed said, “The tourism industry of Pakistan has the potential to turn the country into a hub of economic activity as the total contribution of the industry in the global economy is more than $7.58 trillion.”

The Punjab government along with TDCP is taking all possible steps for the promotion of tourism in Punjab.

Saeed said that every corner of the country is worth seeing and should be glorified to attract tourists.



The institute of tourism and hotel management being run by TDCP in Lahore has been equipped with professional management and a training course for tourist guides is also being introduced in the institute.

The LCCI official appreciated the efforts of TDCP for ensuring participation of private sector and said that it would give confidence to the business community and other stakeholders to share their views on making policy.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 19^th, 2016.

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