Saudi Arabia has expressed strong interest in boosting Pakistan’s tourism industry by investing in its hospitality sector. This exciting development could open new opportunities for tourism in the country and bring significant growth to this vital industry.
The Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Authority (PTDA), Aftab Rana, shared that Saudi investors are particularly interested in enhancing the scenic coastal areas of Balochistan and creating vibrant tourist cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). These projects have the potential to transform Pakistan into a major tourism hotspot.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which focuses on global tourism investments, is aligning with Pakistan’s efforts to attract tourists, especially from the Middle East. Both nations are working together to promote Halal tourism, making Pakistan an appealing destination for Muslim travelers.
To further boost foreign interest, Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has engaged an international firm to craft a national tourism strategy. This strategy aims to invite global investments while positioning Pakistan as a world-class tourist destination. Additionally, Islamabad has recently approved a visa policy for 126 countries, including six Gulf nations, to encourage international visitors.
Efforts are also underway to focus on religious tourism. Pakistan is working to welcome Sikh and Buddhist tourists to its religious and historical sites. Sikh pilgrims will find enriched facilities and support to visit sacred places in Punjab Province, while Buddhist visitors are invited to explore the ancient Gandhara civilization in regions like Taxila, Mardan, and Swat.
The government is also motivating the private sector to play a key role in showcasing the nation’s potential. This includes hosting events like the Pakistan Tourism Mart (PTM) in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Department. The upcoming 4th International Tourism Expo in Karachi, scheduled from January 31 to February 2, 2025, is a highlight of these efforts.
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