Author: holidayweekly

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is on track to rank among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations, according to Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb. Speaking at a press conference, Al-Khateeb highlighted that the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh focused on digital transformation in tourism, with member states committed to advancing initiatives, particularly in artificial intelligence. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Shaikha Al-Nowais, newly elected secretary-general of the organization, were also present. Al-Nowais becomes the first woman and the youngest person to lead the global tourism body in its 50-year history. Al-Khateeb described the Riyadh Declaration as a roadmap for…

LONDON: The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced plans to close its UK headquarters and relocate to mainland Europe. A primary reason for the move is Brexit, with benefits including lower operational costs, EU single market access and recruitment flexibility. Manfredi Lefebvre, WTTC Chairman, confirmed Brexit as a main factor, with potential new locations including Switzerland, Italy and Spain. This decision follows a trend of other major institutions and companies, such as Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Panasonic, moving operations out of the UK due to Brexit. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has previously calculated that…

LAHORE: In a bid to give tourism a shot in the arm, the Punjab government has decided to establish the Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority under a new law aimed at promoting tourism and preserving the province’s cultural legacy. According to details, the Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority Act 2025 will soon be presented in the Punjab Assembly. Under the proposed law, the Chief Minister will serve as the Chairperson of the Authority, while the Tourism Minister will act as Vice Chairperson. The Secretaries of Tourism, Finance, and Planning & Development departments will be part of the Authority’s core members.…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) marked a major milestone on Saturday as it resumed direct flights to the United Kingdom after a five-year suspension. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the national flag carrier into a profitable and reliable organization. Speaking at a ceremony held at Islamabad International Airport, Asif said the suspension of UK operations had caused substantial financial losses but expressed confidence that the airline had now regained its global credibility and operational standards. “We have successfully reinstated the quality and credibility of our national airline,” he remarked. Britain lifted the five-year ban in…

ISTANBUL: Hitit hosted Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) CEO Mr. Muhammad Amir Hayat and CIO Mr. Muhammad Saqlain Gardezi at its headquarters in Istanbul. The PIA delegation was welcomed by Hitit’s Chairwoman of the Board Ms. Nur Gökman and CEO Ms. Nevra Onursal Karaagac, along with senior Hitit executives and Crane Crew product managers. Senior representatives from Hitit’s Pakistan office, Mr. Sohail Sajid and Ms. Gamze Başar, also joined the meeting. Following the recent launch of the Crane Crew project, the visit underscored the strong partnership and shared vision between the two companies. PIA began its collaboration with Hitit in 2018,…

LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched a Rs1.5 billion heritage and tourism revival drive aimed at intertwining the province’s rich cultural, historical, and archaeological legacy with modern development. The initiative, jointly undertaken by the Tourism Department and the Directorate General of Archaeology, marks one of the most comprehensive heritage programmes in recent years, focusing on museum revitalization, archaeological expansion, and the creation of new cultural destinations. The programme seeks to emphasize the socio-cultural milieus integrated with history and heritage, considering their preservation as the truest indicator of societal progress. It aims to rekindle public engagement with Punjab’s layered past while…

By Ch. Faisal Mahmood

Theme: “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” Today, as we join the global community in celebrating World Tourism Day 2025, we embrace the theme: “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”. This year’s theme invites us to reflect deeply on how tourism as one of the world’s largest economic sectors can be a force for positive change, especially in the face of climate change and growing socio-economic disparities. Pakistan, a land of breath-taking natural beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, stands at a unique crossroads. From the majestic peaks of the Karakoram and Himalayas to the serene coastlines of Sindh and Balochistan, from the cultural…

This year, the global tourism community celebrates World Tourism Day under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” For Pakistan’s hospitality and tourism sector, this theme carries immense significance. It reminds us that transformation is not merely about expansion but about adopting practices that ensure long-term sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity.As a hotelier, I have witnessed how tourism in Pakistan has evolved in recent years. From the snowcapped peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan to the deserts of Thar and the heritage of Mohenjo-daro, our country is gifted with treasures that can attract travelers from across the world. Yet, this potential will only be realized…

On this global day of tourism, the Government of Pakistan expresses its commitment to utilize all resources for the promotion of tourism. This year’s theme, ‘Tourism and Sustainable transformation” reflects an urgent reality. Tourism should transform into a sector based on people’s development, strengthening of our economy, and the protection of our heritage. For Pakistan, tourism is not just an industry; it is a manifestation of our national identity and pride. From the ancient civilizations of the Indus Valley to the evergreen beauty of our mountains, deserts, and coastlines, Pakistan is a land that tells a story the world is…