Author: holidayweekly

ISLAMABAD: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) dispatched a formal correspondence to the federal finance minister articulating grave apprehensions regarding the recent augmentation in taxation on international airfare. IATA urged the government to rescind the tax hike on air travel with immediate effect. “The latest fiscal policy in Pakistan has abruptly escalated the tax on international flight tickets by up to 150 percent,” the letter stated. “This measure is anticipated to significantly deter travel and tourism to Pakistan. It is imperative to engage all relevant stakeholders several months prior to implementing such tax increments,” the letter further elaborated. IATA insisted…

DOHA: Qatar Airways Group on Tuesday reported the strongest financial performance in its 27-year history, announcing record profits of QAR6.1 billion ($1.7 billion) for the 2023/24 financial year driven by revenue growth, network expansion, and a focus on customer experience. The multiple award-winning airline group reported total revenues of QAR81 billion ($22.2 billion), representing an increase of QAR4.7 billion ($1.3 billion) – up six per cent compared to last year, the group said. Other Key Highlights: • Strong Passenger Performance: Carried over 40 million passengers, a 26% increase, with a record-high load factor of 83%. • EBITDA Margin: Achieved a…

KARACHI: Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) Strongly oppose the imposition of 150% increase in FED on Economy class and 40% on Business / Club/ First Class air tickets in recent Federal budget 2024-25 from 1st July 2024 TAAP bring to the attention of competent authorities of Pakistan through Media towards the matter leading to the brink of destruction of travel / tourism industry of Pakistan without considering serious consequences on Pakistan economy. The implications of this hike are far-reaching: 1. Threatens to substantially raise the cost burden on international travelers. 2. This increase not only affects individual business travelers…

KARACHI: The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) is currently organizing a series of Tourism Roadshows in Pakistan. The first event of the series was held on June 26, 2024, at the Marriott Hotel in Karachi. The event featured a press conference, B2B meetings, key speeches, presentations, tourism videos, cultural performances, and an evening networking session. This marks the second consecutive year that SLCB has organized a Tourism Roadshow in Pakistan. The event commenced with a ceremonial lamp lighting by Mr. Saman Ratnayake, Manager Pakistan SriLankan Airlines, H.E. Jagath Abeywarna, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi, Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman…

KARACHI: The cultural troupe of the Walled City of Lahore Authority enthralled a packed hall here on Thursday with their mesmerizing performances. Staged at National Academy of Performing Arts – NAPA’s Zia Mohyeddin Theater, the performances covered our culture’s classical and folk traditions. Titled ‘Renewing Glory,’ the program was preceded by a bustling Red Carpet with many dignitaries and celebrities present. The show began with a welcome address by former senator and member of the board of directors of NAPA, Javed Jabbar, who stated, “NAPA is committed to preserving the performing arts in every form, and bringing the WCLA troupe…

ISLAMABAD: Two of Pakistan’s leading groups, Hashoo Group and Park View Enclave, have joined forces to elevate Islamabad’s urban landscape with state-of-the-art residential properties, complete with luxurious amenities, designed to enhance the quality of life in the city. This strategic collaboration will oversee the development of several key projects in Islamabad, aimed at providing unmatched comfort and convenience to residents. These projects include the development of serviced apartments, the opening of Pearl-Continental Signature Restaurants, and the creation of signature villas, all intended to offer premium living standards. The partnership was officially launched earlier this evening in the picturesque setting of…

ISLAMABAD: The Travel and Tourism Symposium jointly organised by Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation with the support of World Bank Group and other partner organisations concluded here the other day. During the concluding ceremony of the Symposium themed “Building National Economy through Tourism”, Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan participated as a special guest. The two-day event was attended by large number of stakeholders including more than 400 national and international tourism experts, professionals and decision-makers for the sustainable development of the tourism industry and development of a future roadmap for tourism in Pakistan. On the second day…

LAHORE: On Friday, June 7, AirSial, Pakistan’s private airline, announced plans to expand its international flight operations. According to sources, AirSial is set to acquire five state-of-the-art aircraft to facilitate this expansion. The airline’s administration is actively negotiating with aviation companies to purchase these new planes. With the acquisition of the new aircraft, AirSial plans to significantly increase its workforce, including hiring more pilots, cabin crew, and other essential staff. This strategic move underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing its services and expanding its reach. AirSial, which was launched by Sialkot’s business community on December 9, 2020, has already been…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, a land of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance, stands poised to unlock its immense tourism potential. With its majestic mountains, serene lakes, ancient archaeological sites, and bustling cities, Pakistan offers a tapestry of experiences for domestic and international tourists alike. Rana Aftab MD PTDC Aftab Rana, MD PTDC informed that in recent years, Pakistan’s tourism industry has witnessed noteworthy growth, demonstrating its resilience in the face of challenges posed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts, the sector is poised to contribute 6% to the…

ABU DHABI: The UAE’s national carrier, Etihad Airways, inked a new Joint Venture (JV) agreement on Wednesday with China Eastern Airlines to jointly develop and expand routes between the UAE and China, leveraging the carriers’ combined networks. The JV, set to come into effect in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals, marks the first commercial JV between a Middle Eastern airline and a Chinese airline. The latest partnership aims to provide enhanced travel options and seamless travel experiences for passengers travelling between major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, and Kunming, and key cities in the UAE, the Middle East, and…