Religious tourism potential spotlighted
Minister of State and Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism Chairman Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani on Monday said the promotion of religious tourism would play a key role in making a roadmap for the prosperity of the country.
He informed that delegates from 31 countries visited the Gandhara Centre and expressed their joy after observing the history of Gautama Buddha. While briefing the media, Dr Ramesh Kumar said, "I wish tourists would come to Pakistan and study its history. The history of Gautama Buddha started from Pakistan, and my goal is to promote tourism in Pakistan."
Dr Kumar further added that Vietnam earns $30 billion through tourism and the Vietnamese delegation was also offered a chartered flight to visit Pakistan for promotion of tourism.
He emphasised that terrorism would be eliminated with the growth of tourism and the country would prosper.
“The people of Pakistan, including security agencies and stakeholders, need to play their part.”
Dr Ramesh Kumar stated that Pakistan owes its existence to the sacrifices of the armed forces. “Tourism can play a vital role in the country's economy, and the promotion of religious tourism is crucial for GDP growth.”
A global Gandhara conference on "Cultural Diplomacy and Revival of Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan" will be held on July 11th and 12th in Islamabad.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 11th, 2023.