WRITTEN BY CH. Faisal Mahmood We have previously drawn attention to the pressing need for a federal posture for Pakistan Tourism’s internal co-ordination and external unity. The need for a federal Ministry of Tourism is acquiring greater urgency but our politicians have shown their intellectual bankruptcy to understand neither the need nor the urgency. Tourism’s is not the only voice calling for even a limited restoration of the Concurrent List of yore. Stakeholders in other sectors like education, culture, health – any and every sector which requires internal co-ordination for external impact – have also called for federal dispensations for…
Author: holidayweekly
KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd is selling up to 182 Airbus jets to firms managed by BBAM Ltd, one of the world’s largest aircraft portfolio managers, in a $1.2 billion deal that will help it cut debt and give it firepower to expand further. With the sale of its leasing operations, Asia’s biggest budget airline is cashing in on a booming leasing sector after ordering hundreds of Airbus planes at bargain prices in recent years to become one of Airbus’ biggest customers. The move, which lifted AirAsia’s shares 5 per cent higher, is part of restructuring efforts that include selling stakes…
RAWALPINDI: Managing Director, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor Khan, presiding over the high level meeting of PTDC, issued instructions to all the officers that all the PTDC Services should be upgraded to provide better guidance and tourism facilities. He emphasized and directed the officers for the modernization of PTDC Motels, Hotels and Tourist Information Centersbesides asking them for the appropriate advertising of all tourist destinations in the country. Free training is being offered to the employees from the College of Tourism and Hotel Management for Skill Development. Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor urged the officers of the PTDC’s subsidiaries Pakistan…
PESHAWAR: Over 40 male and female youth enthusiast participated in the thrilling snow-hiking event at the scenic Nathiagali in Galiyat. The participants exhibited their skills and covered four kilometer snow track from Dunga Gali to Mukshpuri Top. The two-day snow-hiking gala at the scenic Nathiagali in Galiyat was aimed at promoting adventure tourism and reviving tourist attractions in the province. The participants were facilitated by providing transportation, food, first aid kit and other facilities during the event. The event was part of the adventure tourism activities jointly organized by the Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) and the Adventure Edge Club.…
BEIJING: Chinese tourists made 130 million overseas trips in 2017, with total spending amounting to 115 billion U.S. dollars, according to a report jointly released by China Tourism Academy and online travel agency Ctrip. The data marked a year-on-year increase of 7 percent and 5 percent, respectively. While escorted group tours remained the first choice for many Chinese, self-guided independent travel is gaining popularity, the data showed. The economic impacts of China’s mobile population are already being felt worldwide as more Chinese have opted to travel overseas. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the number of global travelers…
QUETTA: H.E. Margaret Adamson, Ambassador of Australia, recently visited Quetta Serena Hotel. Seen here in the picture Her Excellency is being warmly greeted by General Manager Quetta Serena Hotel, Mr. Rashid Uddin upon her arrival at the Hotel.
ROME: On 22 February 2018, the chairman of Lufthansa’s supervisory board, Dr Karl-Ludwig Kley, was awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. He was honoured for his entrepreneurial achievements in and for Italy, his commitment to the promotion of trade, research and cultural activities as well as his personality. Kley was presented the Order of Merit with rank of Commendatore during a formal celebratory ceremony in Rome by the chief of protocol of the Italian Government, Gerardo Capozza. In his laudatory speech, Capozza stressed Karl-Ludwig Kley’s close bond with Italy and the great trust he has placed in…
DUBAI: Dubai’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) board is considering the refunding of VAT amounts paid by tourists, it has emerged. An FTA meeting, headed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and chairman of the FTA, reviewed the outcome of the tourist refund tender. The integrated refund system – currently being developed – will cover outlets and shops in the country, said a report in Emirates News 24|7. Furthermore, a plan to exempt businesses that are late in registering with the FTA from penalties until April 30 was approved by the board.…
ISLAMABAD: After long deliberation and consultation, the federal cabinet has finally approved an official name for the new airport in Pakistan’s capital city. The Federal Cabinet has approved the final name for the new Islamabad Airport in a meeting held at PM Office. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, while chairing the cabinet meeting, approved the project’s name as “Islamabad International Airport”. Initially conceived in 1984, the airport’s location is around 20 km west of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The new Airport is being built to replace the existing Benazir Bhutto Airport. The new airport is expected to…
MUSCAT: Oman Air recently concluded its participation at the Philippines Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) Travel Tour Expo and the Thai International Travel Fair (TITF), which provided a platform for the airline to showcase its latest news and products. Oman Air representatives welcomed guests at both events with traditional Omani coffee, dates, and flyers as an incentive to travel with Oman Air. The PTAA Travel Tour Expo is considered to be the Philippines’ largest annual travel and tourism event and this year celebrated its 25th anniversary. Some 335 companies exhibited at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, where more than…