KARACHI: First of its kind, with 140 local and international renowned brands, three day Pakistan Travel Mart (PTM) is going to start on November 24 at Karachi. The biggest and most stellar tourism exhibition in last 20 years or more will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali shah. Many notable national and international brands of travel, airlines, Hotels & tourism industry will exhibits their travel and tourism products under one roof.
Through the event the Pakistan Travel Market (PTM) will bring opportunities, content and digital tools, to support the growth of the national travel industry by facilitating new connections and lasting business relationships, and by applying global network and expertise to local markets.
Sardar Rafiq Khan conceived the idea of PTM and he is the main driving force behind this major tourism project which can convert a comparatively slow tourism industry of Pakistan into a very vibrant one in coming years.
While talking to Holiday Weekly in his office on Thursday, 16 November he said,
“It has been an aspiration of mine that like travel marts around the world such as the ATM, WTM and ITB Berlin we do something similar in Pakistan. I discussed this with Mr. Ali Hamdani of our sister concern company, Landmark Communications ,he held the same enthusiasm as I did after which we took initiative to make it happen.”
He said that this is an event that is inclusive and represents the tourism of the entire nation.
“We received copious amount of support from all ends be it the provincial governments, federal government or government of Azad Kashmir and government agencies including Rangers. We also received encouragement and assistance from our friends in the travel Industry including Airlines,travel Agents, tour Operators and prominent brands of Pakistan hotel industry.” He added.
He stated that a representative from the Arabian Travel Mart will also be attending the PTM and that they have also been asked to represent Pakistan in the next ATM.
Rafiq said that many other countries have also been very supportive and that they are expecting guests including tour operators, acclaimed brands of hotels and delegations from Sri Lanka, Japan, Turkey, Thailand and Malaysia, that has been a source of encouragement for them.
“In the following years domestic tourism will become more popular and in demand hence PTM is a one of a kind platform that will exhibit all of the provinces of Pakistan and their respective tourism organizations so that all of the country can benefit from it” he said.
Mr. Rafiq said that it is extremely heartwarming that so many people are contributing their time and efforts in helping make this event become successful and that people want the Pakistan tourism industry to grow and thrive the way it is flourishing in other parts of the world.
“We would also like to praise and thank the Almighty Allah for giving us the opportunity and resources to make this event possible,our plan is to make PTMan accomplished brand like ATM and WTM hencewe are constantly& consistently bringingimprovement to it and we also plan on making it more esteemed each passing year” he added.
