LONDON: Pakistan showcased its rich tourism potential at World Travel Mart (WTM) which started from 6th November 2023 at Excel London. The Pakistan Pavilion at the World Tourism Mart (WTM) was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Tourism and Youth Affairs, Wasi Shah, along with the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Dr. Muhammad Faisal, in London.
Notable participants include the high level delegation of 36 members led by Wasi Shah, State Minister for Tourism and Chairman of PTDC. Delegation also includes Barrister Feroze Jamal Shah, Minister of Information & Public Relations and Tourism Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr. Arshad Wali Muhammad, Minister for Tourism Sindh, Mr. Ghulam Muhammad, Minister Tourism Gilgit Baltistan, Mr. Asifullah Khan, Secretary Tourism GB, Mr. Shahid Sohail Khan, Secretary KP Tourism, CEOs, MDs and senior representatives of 21 private tour operation companies, hotels and airlines and senior officials from PTDC, GB, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh tourism departments
Minister of State for Tourism, Wasi Shah, while commending the preparations made by the Travel Mart, expressed his optimism that international exhibitions such as WTM will significantly contribute to attracting more tourists to Pakistan in the near future. He emphasized the natural beauty and cultural richness that Pakistan possesses, making it a prime destination for travelers worldwide. The government’s commitment to promoting tourism activities in Pakistan, improving infrastructure, and adopting successful international strategies promises to bolster Pakistan’s economy through tourism, potentially turning it into a vital source of foreign exchange.
Mr. Wasi Shah also expressed his appreciation for the team of Pakistan Tourism Development (PTDC) for the successful participation in WTM 2023 and putting together a join pavilion of Pakistan in WTM with the support of Pakistan High Commission at London, PIA, KPK, Sindh and GB Tourism Departments and private sector service providers.
The Pakistan Pavilion at the World Travel Mart garnered considerable attention from a diverse audience, including tour operators, representatives from international travel companies, and social media influencers and representatives of other countries. It also served as a focal point for those who have previously visited Pakistan and expressed a keen interest in exploring more of the country’s breathtaking tourist destinations.
Mr. Aftab Rana, MD PTDC in his statement said, that promotion of Pakistan as a top tourist destination is the prime focus of government of Pakistan. Pakistan is blessed with breath-taking natural beauty, rich culture and heritage and great diversity of landscape offering an un-matched tourism potential. PTDC aims to enhance the influx of foreign tourists to explore the rich touristic potential of this country and contribute in in the socio-economic development of its people through tourism.
He said, this year PTDC has planned to send join delegations 5 mega tourism expos such as WTM London, ITB Berlin, COOTM China, ATM Dubai and Travel and Adventure Show at New York. He hoped that participation in world leading travel marts will provide a great opportunity to Pakistan to showcase its rich tourism potential at this global platform and help in develop G2G, B2B and G2B linkages with the leading global players of tourism industry and ultimately contribute in the economic wellbeing of Pakistan.
