Author: holidayweekly

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) in collaboration with Pak America Business Forum organized 5th edition of Pak-America Business Summit at a ​M​arriot Hotel in Islamabad. The speakers including U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, RCCI President Usman Shaukat, Former President and Group Leader Sohail Altaf, Chairman PABF Waqar Khan and President PABF Anwar Azam emphasized the critical role of bilateral business relationships in promoting mutual economic prosperity and underscored the ongoing commitment to strengthening economic connections between the two nations. Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, Former Presidents, Kashif Shabbir, Dr. Shimail Daud,…

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a waiver of the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) international tickets, paving the way for significant fare reductions. According to sources in the Privatization Commission (PC), the waiver was granted at the request of the Pakistani government and could result in substantial savings for travellers. Passengers flying to the USA might save up to Rs350,000, while those traveling to Africa and the Middle East could see ticket prices drop by up to Rs105,000. Similarly, flights to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Far East may offer savings of…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) in collaboration with Alpine Club of Pakistan, World Bank Group, Hashoo Group, Riphah International University, STFP, National Incubation Centers (NICs), COTHM, PNCA, and provincial tourism departments, Punjab Tourism for Economic Development Project and Ignite Technology Fund, successfully commemorated International Mountain Day 2024 with a one-day conference on Sustainable Mountain Tourism, photographic competition and tourism startups exhibition at PNCA Islamabad. The event, aligned with this the theme, “Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future: Innovation, Adaptation, and Youth,” focused on innovative strategies and sustainable practices to safeguard mountain ecosystems while empowering youth. Large number of people…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume flights to Europe on January 10 after European Union authorities lifted a four-year ban on the carrier, the company said in a statement on Saturday. The statement from PIA, which was at the centre of a pilot licence scandal, said a “PIA flight will depart from Islamabad to Paris on January 10. “Initially, two flights will be operated weekly [on Friday and Sunday], which will gradually be increased.” “We have got approval for the first flight’s schedule we had filed,” PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan had said a day earlier, adding that the…

MADRID: The Middle East’s tourism sector is undergoing a historic transformation in 2024, with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Bahrain leading the charge. According to new reports from UN Tourism and IATA, these nations are driving exceptional growth in international arrivals and reshaping the region’s global appeal. Qatar has achieved a staggering 141% increase in tourist arrivals, making it the fastest-growing destination in the region, while Saudi Arabia has led in volume with a 61% increase in international arrivals, attracting millions of visitors through its ambitious Vision 2030 initiatives. From record-breaking visitor numbers in Qatar to Saudi Arabia’s transformative…

ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways announced the launch of 10 new destinations starting in 2025. This announcement, part of the airline’s rapid expansion programme, fulfils its promise to provide guests with a route map featuring destinations they want to fly to, with connections and frequencies that suit their needs. It also allows Abu Dhabi to extend its renowned hospitality to more visitors from around the globe as a world-class tourism and business hub. Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This expansion reflects our commitment to listening to our valued guests. We’ve carefully chosen cities that embody the experiences, adventures, and…

KARACHI- Recently, Pakistan International Airlines (PK), or PIA allowed to operate flights to Europe after the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted the ban and now it expects the same from the United States (US) and eyes New York Flights with Boeing 777 fleet. According to reports, PIA will restart flights to Paris, Milan, and Manchester immediately. PIA is also considering resuming services to Copenhagen, Oslo, and Amsterdam in the coming months. Before the EASA ban, PIA operated routes to several European cities, including Birmingham, Bradford, Barcelona, and London. Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif highlighted the airline’s recent performance,…

ISLAMABAD: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially lifted the suspension on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe after nearly four years, announced Defence Minister and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday. Taking to social media platform X, Asif celebrated the decision, terming it a “momentous day” for Pakistan’s aviation sector. “The European Commission and EASA have lifted the suspension on PIA flights to Europe. Additionally, Airblue Limited has also received Third Country Operators (TCO) authorization,” he wrote. The minister credited the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government for implementing significant reforms in the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority…

ISLAMABAD: The INTI Pakistan Networking Dinner 2024, held at the Pearl Continental Hotel Rawalpindi, brought together an inspiring assembly of INTI University alumni, industrial leaders, and academic professionals. Organized by INTI University Malaysia, the event underscored the critical role of education, international collaboration, and the expanding talent exchange between Pakistan and Malaysia. Representing Vaga Tales Travel Company, Holiday Weekly, and the Asian Business Forum, the gathering highlighted the collaborative spirit between the two nations. His Excellency Ambassador Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, delivered a keynote address that resonated with the audience. Drawing from the legacy of…

KARACHI: Pakistan Railways has reported an unprecedented surge in revenue, achieving a historic benchmark in its financial performance, ARY News reported. According to Pakistan Railways CEO Aamir Ali Baloch, the state-owned enterprise generated Rs 33 billion in revenue over the past five months, reflecting a 14 percent (pc) year-on-year growth compared to the Rs 29 billion recorded during the same period last year. This represents an incremental revenue gain of over Rs 4 billion, underscoring enhanced operational efficiency and strategic revenue optimization. In addition, the CEO highlighted encouraging prospects for the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, indicating that groundwork is expected…