Author: holidayweekly

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…

LONDON: Virgin Atlantic Airways (VS) will resume flights to Pakistan after receiving approval from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The airline is set to reconnect London Heathrow (LHR) with Karachi (KHI), Islamabad (ISB), and Lahore (LHE) starting in October 2025. The British carrier, which suspended services in 2023, will reintroduce routes via Riyadh (RUH), restoring direct connectivity between the United Kingdom and Pakistan. The move marks a renewed push to expand its long-haul network in South Asia. Virgin Atlantic (VS) will restart its operations linking London with three of Pakistan’s key cities: Karachi (KHI), Islamabad (ISB), and Lahore (LHE).…

KARACHI: In a tale straight out of David vs. Goliath, a quirky Karachi café has brewed up global headlines after defeating none other than coffee behemoth Starbucks in a trademark showdown. Meet Sattar Buksh, the café with a moustache, sass, and a knack for stirring more than just coffee. Launched in 2013 by entrepreneurs Rizwan Ahmad and Adnan Yousuf, the café quickly became a hot spot, not just for its lattes and shisha but for its cheeky branding. Its round green logo featured a moustached desi gentleman, a playful desi wink at Starbucks world-famous mermaid The resemblance sparked instant buzz.…

KARACHI: Bukhari Travel & Tourism Services hosted a mega Roadshow to visit Saudi as a partner of the Saudi tourism authority as one of the travel trade partners of Saudi tourism authority held at Marriott Hotel Karachi. In a Landmark collaboration to strengthen tourism ties between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bukhari Travel & Tourism Services Organized a high-profile mega roadshow at the Marriott Hotel Karachi on August 27, 2025. The event aimed to highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing potential as a leading global tourism destination and to promote travel opportunities for Pakistani travellers. Key…

ISLAMABAD: The prospects of resuming direct flights between Pakistan and the United States have recently become more promising. To assess the measures needed for the reinstatement of these flights, a team from the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) is scheduled to arrive in Karachi soon. According to sources within the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), this marks the first time in several years that an FAA team is visiting Pakistan. During their visit, the FAA officials will conduct safety audits of Pakistan’s aviation sector, which will include inspections of aircraft maintenance, pilot licensing, flight standards, and other related areas. They…

KARACHI: This year, World Tourism Day is being marked under the United Nation’s theme ‘Tourism And Sustainable Transformation’. The occasion emphasizes the growing importance of sustainable and ecofriendly tourism, highlighting its power to foster prosperity, inclusivity, and environmental preservation. Speaking to Holiday Weekly at the Saudi Tourism Roadshow in Karachi, Syed Feyaz Ali Shah, Managing Director of Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), said the day serves as a reminder of the remarkable impact of tourism on communities and economies. “Tourism plays a vital role in cultural exchange, economic growth, and sustainable development. At STDC, we are fully committed to celebrating…

LAHORE: The Punjab government has revealed plans to introduce a tram service in Lahore, set to begin operations in February next year. Punjab’s Transport Minister, Bilal Akbar, shared that the initial tram trial was a success. As a result, the tram line connecting Thokar to Harbanspura is scheduled to launch in February 2026. According to Bilal Akbar, each tram will be able to accommodate 270 passengers. The project is estimated to cost $3 million. He also mentioned that officials from Punjab NESPAK and the Punjab Mass Transit Authority recently traveled to China in connection with the project. The minister added…

LAHORE: Tourism in Murree is set for a major boost as the Punjab government has approved feasibility studies for two landmark projects — a Sky Walk Glass Bridge (Rs 72.152 million) and a Chairlift & Cable Car from Lakot to Pindi Point (Rs 90 million). Chaired by Planning & Development Board Chairman Dr. Naeem Rauf, the PDWP meeting also sanctioned a Cable Car project at River Indus, Kala Bagh, Mianwali (Rs 81.571 million), along with several other schemes in roads, minority affairs, and IT, with a total estimated cost of Rs 5.118 billion. Other approved projects include the construction of…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to launch direct flights to Barcelona and Milan as part of its post-reopening expansion into European destinations, following directives from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. The move comes after the resumption of PIA’s European operations, which had been suspended for several years. The defence minister instructed the airline to prioritize routes to Barcelona and Milan due to the large overseas Pakistani communities residing there. Milan, in particular, is home to a significant number of people from Sialkot, Asif’s hometown, making it a key destination for the national carrier. The renewed focus on European connectivity…