Pakistan wins Travel & Adventure Show award

Envoy Masood says world is taking keen interest in tourism market

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Pavilion has won the ‘Best In-Show – International Tourism Development’ award at the Travel and Adventure Show, 2024 being held in New York.

The high-profile event was held from Jan 27 to 28 with a participation from over 550 of the top destinations, tour companies, cruise lines, and travel providers from around the world.

Nearly 190 countries participated in the show.

Inaugurated by Masood Khan, Pakistan’s ambassador to the US, Pakistan Pavilion has been set up in collaboration with Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pakistan’s Consulate General in New York and private sector companies.

Minister for Tourism Gilgit-Baltistan Ghulam Muhammad, former minister for tourism G-B Raja Nasir Ali Khan, and Pakistan Consul General in New York Aamer Ahmed Atozai were present during the inauguration of Pakistan Pavilion.

A 60-member delegation having representatives of PTDC, TDAP, and 24 private sector companies were representing Pakistan at the Travel and Adventure Show.

The Travel and Adventure Show featured live performances by Pakistani artisans specialising in lacquer woodwork and traditional doll making.

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It was showcasing nation's diverse tourism potential.

“The Travel and Adventure Show is a fantastic show and many countries and tour operators are present here,” Ambassador Masood said.

“It is a matter of pride for us that Pakistan Pavilion has been awarded the Best in Show in International Travel and Adventure Show,” he said. "The world is taking keen interest in the tourism market of Pakistan, especially in adventure and eco-tourism."

Masood said, “Pakistan has the most beautiful and undiscovered touristic sites with huge untapped tourism potential.”

Pakistan Wins international Tourism Award in New York. PHOTO: EXPRESS

For over 19 years and over 118 completed events, the Travel and Adventure Show has connected over 2.5 million travel enthusiasts, over 15,000 unique Travel Advisors, and thousands of travel media with over 4,500 different exhibiting companies from around the world influencing over $6 billion in travel bookings.

Highlighting the huge potential for tourism in Pakistan, Ambassador Masood invited participants to visit Pakistan and experience the timeless beauty of Pakistan's ancient civilisations and natural wonders, from snow-capped peaks to pristine coastal areas.

"Pakistan's cultural richness beckons our Pakistani community worldwide. Be a patron of your motherland's beauty and invest in the thriving tourism sector. Together, let's showcase Pakistan to the world,” Masood said.

In his message on this occasion, Wasi Shah, the state minister for tourism and PTDC chairman, congratulated the organisers for the arrangements and ensuring presence of all regions of Pakistan at the pavilion.

Pakistan Wins international Tourism Award in New York. PHOTO: EXPRESS

He hoped that efforts will greatly contribute to attracting more foreign visitors to Pakistan which will not only help tapping tourism potential of the country but will also contribute towards image building of Pakistan.

On the occasion, Pakistan’s Consul General Atozai said, “Our participation in the event will be helpful in attracting potential tourists to Pakistan.”

In a recent development, Pakistan was recognised as a top tourist destination by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with a 115% surge in foreign tourist arrivals and projections of international receipts reaching $1.3 billion by the end of the year 2023.

While announcing the Best In-show Award for Pakistan in international tourism development, the CEO and founder of the Travel and Adventure Show, John Golicz appreciated the incredible delegation of tour operators and professionals from Pakistan.