Digital transformation: Tourism source of economic revival, image building: official

PTDC general manager says tourism is on the rise because of improved security situation

Promotion of tourism industry would not only help to revive the economy but also remove any misperceptions about Pakistan, said Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) General Manager Ali Akbar Malik on Thursday. He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the World Tourism Day Photo Exhibition organised by PTDC at Rawalpindi.

“We are working hard to improve infrastructure and facilities which will definitely increase tourist flow to the country,” Malik said.

He said that World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on September 27 under the theme declared by UNWTO. The theme “Tourism and the Digital Transformation” is most appropriate theme in present scenario for the very reason that Pakistan has started introducing new technologies in all sectors.

He said tourism industry is a 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.

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. In this scenario, he said “I give you my word that Pakistan will appear as the brightest star of tourism in the world.”

PTDC Motels are being upgraded, new transport has been inducted in present fleet and ongoing tourism projects will be completed to increase the revenue of the corporation.

Renowned rider for peace Shahid Jamil Rana said that there is no country like Pakistan in the world, where a tourist can enjoy four seasons in one country at a time. We are the most hospitable people in the world.

Head of Tourism Trade Development Organisation Syed Ali Reza Rizvi said that there are countless opportunities for investment in tourism sector of Pakistan.

A large number of students of universities, colleges and schools and general public saw the photo exhibition.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 28^th, 2018.