Indonesian envoy calls for tourism collaboration

Indonesia Ambassador Muhammad Hassan has said that there were numerous opportunities in the tourism sector in Pakistan and the government is providing international-level facilities for tourists.

Pakistan has vast opportunities for all sectors of tourism, including mountaineering, adventure, and religious and halal tourism, he said while addressing an online seminar on tourism promotion in Pakistan, organised by the embassy of Pakistan, Jakarta at the Chancery, a press release received here on Monday said.

Ambassador Hassan highlighted the critical role of the tourism sector in the economy and appreciated the efforts of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), and Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO) in promoting tourism.

The event was physically attended by over 60 representatives of Indonesian travel agencies, the hospitality industry, and the media, while the representative of TDAP, PTDC, and PATO attended virtually.

The ambassador talked about the unique aspects of Pakistan's tourism sector and various destinations. He said the embassy was ready to extend all assistance to Indonesian tourists interested in visiting Pakistan.

From the Indonesian side, the speakers included Andik Susanto Billi, popularly known as Billi the Backpacker, Havilah and Innoy, a travel vlogger who had earlier visited Pakistan.

While expressing their keen interest in exploring Pakistan, the Indonesian speakers agreed on the need to enhance mutual collaboration in the field of tourism. Billi and other Indonesian speakers shared their experiences in Pakistan and highlighted the friendliness and hospitality of Pakistani people, Pakistani cuisine as well as the natural beauty of Pakistan.

They appreciated the Pakistani embassy for arranging the seminar and acknowledged that such events would bring more awareness amongst Indonesians about Pakistan's untapped tourism potential.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd, 2022.