Author: holidayweekly

ISLAMABAD: A high-profile SCO Business & Investment Conference took place at Serena Hotel, Islamabad, on September 12 and 13, 2024. Organized under the auspices of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the SCO Business Council, the event gathered leaders to discuss opportunities for economic collaboration in the region. Mr. Aftab Rana, Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), participated in a key panel session addressing the theme: “Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Tourism Development in the SCO Region.” In his remarks, Mr. Rana underscored the vast tourism potential of SCO member states, highlighting…

ISLAMABAD: Green Tourism Pakistan, in collaboration with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), has unveiled a series of groundbreaking initiatives to drive investment in the country’s tourism sector. Key reforms include visa-on-arrival for citizens of 126 countries, visa-free entry for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, and expedited visa processing within 24 hours. These strategic measures are projected to attract around $80 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) and generate 8.3 billion rupees in local investment. To elevate the tourism experience, Green Tourism Private Limited has begun developing four- and five-star hotels, as well as hunting resorts in scenic locations such…

LAHORE: Amadeus Pakistan is thrilled to welcome three new travel agency partners at a special signing ceremony in Lahore. The event was graced by Mir Akbar, GM of Amadeus Pakistan, and Muhammad Naeem Siddique, Regional Manager Central, alongside the agency owners. 1. Travel Channel: Mr. Asif Khara, 2. Matchless Travels: Mr. Amir Zafar, 3. Fly Aviation: Mr. Faizan Irshad and Mr Hassan Raza. This collaboration promises to bring enhanced booking solutions and growth opportunities for the agents, ensuring their clients receive seamless travel experiences through Amadeus’ advanced GDS platform. Together, we’re paving the way for a brighter future in travel!

KARACHI: An exclusive launch of Novacolor Café was held here with the consul general of Italy, His Excellency Danilo Giurdanella conducting the ribbon-cutting ceremony in the presence of the who’s who of the world of architecture, arts and industry. Among those spotted at the event were former senator and federal minister Javed Jabbar, Jimmy Engineer, Sheema Kermani, Adnan Shah Tipu, Seemi Pasha, Ameena Saiyid, and Misbah Khalid. The brainchild of Nasar Khan, Zillay Huma, Zubair, and Shameer, the space promises to be a game-changer in the coffee world bringing premium Novacolor offerings, delectable snacks and an exclusive fragrance range all…

UAE: Pakistanis in the UAE have been asked to take advantage of the amnesty scheme launched by the country’s government to legalise their status. Pakistani missions in the Emirates said they’re extending full support to the UAE government’s initiative so that a large number of people can benefit from it. “The government of the UAE has announced an amnesty scheme from September 1 to October 31, 2024. In the wake of this announcement, the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai are extending all possible assistance to Pakistani nationals living in the UAE…

BEIJING: On August 29, 2024, Beijing’s Capital International Airport (PEK) witnessed a historic moment as Air China received its very first COMAC C919 aircraft. This milestone marks the debut of China’s first domestically produced airliner in Air China’s fleet. The aircraft was greeted with a traditional water arch salute, celebrating its arrival from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG), where COMAC’s final assembly plant is located. Air China’s acquisition of the C919 is part of a major deal signed in April 2024, where the carrier committed to purchasing 100 C919 aircraft with deliveries slated between 2024 and 2031. The inaugural aircraft, registered…

KARACHI: His Excellency Hattori Masaru, Consul General of Japan emphasised Pakistan’s abundant tourism resources, particularly in the northern areas, but expressed concern over security issues, citing the impact of recent terrorist attacks, such as the one in Balochistan, on Japanese tourists. “Pakistan’s government has been doing its best to stop terrorism, and I hope they will continue their efforts to create a safe environment that ensures an increased number of tourists from Japan,” Hattori said during a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), according to a statement issued by the KCCI on Thursday. He also assured…

ISLAMABAD: The federal government is gearing up to offer a 75% stake in Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) to bidders by October 2024. The successful bidder will be required to invest a hefty $500 million within the first three years following the airline’s privatisation. This significant move was revealed during a Senate Standing Committee on Privatisation meeting, chaired by Senator Muhammad Tallal Badar on Thursday. According to the privatisation secretary, six parties have been pre-qualified to enter the bidding race. These include Fly Jinnah Limited, Air Blue Limited, Arif Habib Corporation Limited, and three consortia led by Y.B. Holdings…

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, both countries have introduced visa-free travel policies for their citizens. Malaysians enjoy visa-free entry to China until the end of 2025, while Chinese travellers to Malaysia benefit similarly until the end of 2026. Mutual visa-free travel policies between Malaysia and China have seen more Malaysian travellers visiting Guilin in China, pictured These initiatives have sparked a significant surge in bilateral tourism. Sandy Ren, senior sales manager at Guilin-headquartered Tang Dynasty Tours, highlighted the positive impact of these policies on her inbound business. “With the continuation of the visa-free policies and…

Saudi’s national tourism brand ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’ premieres its enthralling new international campaign, “This Land is Calling”. Launching across the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, and the United States, “This Land is Calling” is anchored in insights from visitors to Saudi, showcasing the depth and breadth of a land still full of mystery for so many. Through its female protagonist, the viewer is taken on a whirlwind tour through time and space, demonstrating all the while: Saudi as the Heart of Arabia. The campaign pays homage to the spirit of adventure and wonder that permeates the Saudi landscape, with…