KARACHI: Upon invitation of Honorable Arshad Wali Muhammad, Minister for Tourism, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Sindh, TAAP delegation led by Mr. Muhammad Raza, Vice Chairman TAAP South Zone visited the office of the minister at PITHM House on September 21, 2023.
The delegation extended warmest welcome and heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Arshad Wali Muhammad upon assuming the charge as Minister for Tourism, Environment and Climate Change. Government of Sindh.
The Minister shared his views and ideas in detail on current and future of the travel, tourism and aviation sector and tourism potential in Sindh Province and Karachi. He said Sindh have many tourist and heritage sites to be visited and advised TAAP members to promote Sindh Tourism as well. He appreciated the efforts of TAAP since its inception and advised to market value-added travel products under the present global travel trade scenario.
TAAP delegation apprised the Minister the issues faced by the travel industry regarding difficulties in DTS financial guarantee, Associations membership, Hajj & Umrah management Act by the Federal Ministry MORA, need of revision in prevailing Travel Agencies Act/Rules, besides seek support and intervention to resolve this important pending matter of remittances related to outbound tourism via official banking channel. A draft framework was also worked out with the help of Exchange Policy Department of State Bank of Pakistan.
The Minister advised the delegation to share Associations issues with the Ministry and assured his full support and assistance in resolving trade issues and advised to share with his team the TAAP communications with the State Bank of Pakistan officials during last one year and assured to arrange meeting with the Governor of SBP.
TAAP expressed gratitude for giving ample time to TAAP delegation and gave opportunity for having a very useful and constructive discussions on various issues related to travel sector. At the end memento/ shield was presented to the Honorable Minister and the meeting was concluded with assurance from TAAP to work with Tourism Ministry to explore potential avenues for collaboration between Govt. of Sindh and TAAP.
