Author: holidayweekly

ISLAMABAD: The finance ministry said on Thursday that Pakistan and the United States had formally launched a strategic economic initiative, including collaboration regarding the operation, maintenance, renovation and redevelopment of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York. In a statement, the ministry said that the initiative would include collaboration with the US General Services Administration (GSA) for the redevelopment of the hotel. “This engagement was negotiated and stewarded by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump,” it said. “To advance this partnership, both governments have signed an MoU formalising their cooperation,” the ministry added. The…

KARACHI: A ceremony hosted at the Karachi Marriott Hotel marked a major milestone for PTM 2026 with the signing of MOUs with leading travel trade partners in Co-Op partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). The 5th Annual Edition of Pakistan Travel Mart (PTM), scheduled to take place from 3rd to 5th April 2026, is gearing up to be the largest and most influential edition so far — a true celebration of growth, collaboration, and global connections. Upon the arrival of guests, Sardar Zubair Hussain, Vice Chairman of Bukhari Travel and Tourism Services, and Syed Mohammad Ali Hamdani, Chief Executive…

ISLAMABAD: On Sunday, February 8, Margalla Trail Runners successfully organized the second edition of the Margalla Trail Running Festival, marking the first-ever Trail Marathon in the history of the Margalla Hills. The festival featured multiple trail races ranging from 300 meters to the full marathon distance, with the primary objective of promoting and popularizing trail running in Pakistan. The event was held across Trail 4, Dhok Jewan, and the Ridge Trail of the Margalla Hills, offering participants a challenging yet scenic running experience. Race categories included the Kids Trail Run (300m), 5km, 10km, 14km, Half Marathon (21km), and the Marathon…

ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs) has approved a comprehensive plan to retain the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) as a streamlined and efficient centre of excellence, aimed at promoting Brand Pakistan on the global stage and strengthening the country’s tourism marketing framework. Under the revamped structure, PTDC will focus on tourism policy support, improved coordination among government agencies, and strategic marketing initiatives to enhance Pakistan’s visibility as a travel destination. The restructuring also includes staff rationalisation and a revised board composition to ensure stronger governance and operational efficiency. The committee directed the relevant ministry to submit a…

KARACHI: Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has stated that the government in collaboration with the Karachi Chamber is actively working to help shopkeepers restart their businesses and aims to ensure that compensation is provided within two months so that the shopkeepers can buy inventories to restart their businesses. While addressing the inaugural ceremony of 21st My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony Exhibition on Friday, the Chief Minister informed that several locations have been identified where affected shopkeepers will be facilitated to resume their businesses until the complete reconstruction of Gul Plaza. He clarified that no rent will be…

KARACHI: Building on the resounding success of five Thar Desert Train Safari journeys, the Sindh government on Saturday, January 31, inaugurated the Special Mohenjo-Daro Train Safari, a landmark initiative designed to promote cultural tourism and showcase Sindh’s unparalleled historical heritage. The special tourist train was formally inaugurated by Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Provincial Minister for Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives, alongside the Secretary Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives, Mr. Khair Muhammad Kalwar and Syed Fayez Ali Shah, Managing Director of the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC). The minister termed the initiative a major step toward reviving heritage-based tourism and deepening…

KARACHI: Direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed after 14 years as the latter’s national airline’s inaugural flight landed at Jinnah International Airport Karachi on Thursday. The flight, welcomed by officials, was offered a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival at Karachi airport. According to Pakistan’s High Commission in Dhaka, the fully booked flight departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The inaugural flight was seen off by Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, and other senior officials, the High Commission said. “The resumption of direct flight after a hiatus of 14…

KARACHI: Etihad Airways hosted an elegant luncheon last week at the Marriott Hotel Karachi to honour its valued travel trade partners, reaffirming the airline’s strong engagement with Pakistan’s travel and tourism fraternity. The prestigious gathering was hosted by Mr. Ahmed Zahoor, General Manager – Pakistan, Etihad Airways, and was attended by a distinguished group of senior industry leaders from across the city. Adding significant prestige to the occasion was the presence of Etihad Airways’ senior management, who flew in from Abu Dhabi to interact with partners and share insights into the airline’s ambitious future expansion plans. The visiting delegation included…

ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways and Tunisair on Friday signed a codeshare agreement strengthening air links between North Africa and Abu Dhabi and supporting growing demand for travel, tourism, and business between the two regions. Starting on Friday (Jan 16), travellers can book flights between Abu Dhabi and Tunis under either airline’s code on Etihad-operated services. The partnership creates a streamlined booking experience with a single ticket, one check-in, and bags transferred automatically to final destinations. The agreement covers Etihad’s three weekly flights on the Abu Dhabi–Tunis route, which launched 1 November 2025. Flights operate using Etihad’s Airbus A321LR, featuring the…

ISLAMABAD: PIA passengers travelling to London and Manchester will now be able to connect to more than 50 destinations across the UK by train, following a new partnership between Pakistan International Airlines and AccesRail. The airline has introduced an “air-to-rail” arrangement with rail networks in the UK and Canada, allowing travelers to purchase train tickets at the same time as their flight booking. The move is aimed at making onward travel simpler by removing the need to arrange rail journeys separately. Under the new setup, passengers can add rail segments to their itinerary through PIA booking offices, registered travel agents,…