D-8 states agree to collaborate on tourism
The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, also known as the Developing-8 is consisted of eight developing Muslim-majority countries, including Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. PHOTO: Anadolu Agency
Participants of the third D-8 Ministerial and Fourth Senior Officials’ Meeting on Tourism pledged to collaborate for promoting sustainable tourism in member states that benefits local communities and protects the environment.
The high-level huddle was convened by the Pakistan government in Bhurban, Murree.
D-8, also known as Developing-8, is an organisation for economic cooperation among Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkiye.
Tourism ministers, ambassadors, senior officials from the D-8 member states as well as key representatives from the private sector participated in the meetings. They engaged in discussions on advancing tourism cooperation among D-8 member states.
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Tourism and Sports and PTDC Chairman Awn Chaudhry presided over the ministerial session.
In his welcome remarks, Awn Chaudry briefed the meeting on Pakistan’s efforts to promote its tourism. He emphasised the crucial role of the tourism sector in the sustainable development and economic growth of the member states.
He also encouraged the member countries to further strengthen their existing cooperation in the tourism sector.
Representatives from Bangladesh recalled the proposition of devising thematic tourism guidelines such as ecotourism, riverine tourism, and wildlife tourism. They also stressed the need for D-8 member states to collaborate in this regard.
The Egyptian minister for tourism and antiquities underscored that the Middle East region witnessed strong performance during the past few months, and succeeded in restoring pre-pandemic numbers. He also highlighted his country’s efforts to promote tourism which led to setting a record in Egyptian tourism history with more than 7 million tourists visiting the country in the first half of 2023.
He praised the new initiatives proposed by the D-8 Secretariat to enhance cooperation and expressed Egypt’s willingness to share its experiences in the field of management and training in the tourism sector.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 6th, 2023.