Pakistan joins the global community to celebrate the World Tourism Day under the patronage of the United Nations Tourism Organization. This year’s theme “Tourism and Peace” truly reflects one of the important aspects of tourism. Indeed, tourism brings people together and plays a vital role as a catalyst for fostering peace, harmony and empathy amongst nations and diverse cultures. Tourism has emerged as a dynamic sector in an increasingly multicultural world. Nations around the globe have benefitted from tourism’s vast potential to expand people-to-people contacts, remove misconceptions and stereotypes and promote a positive image through social interaction, build relations, and to stimulate inclusive economic growth. Pakistan is blessed with scenic natural landscapes, verdant plains, sparkling rivers and streams, and breath-taking mountain ranges. Pakistan is home to ancient civilizations including Mehrgarh, Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa and Gandhara. All this provides us a great opportunity for the development of tourism and linking it with the livelihood’s development at the grassroots level even in the remotest of areas of Pakistan. The significant potential of tourism to drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote peace through cultural exchange could be realized through our joint efforts. Our young generation can also play a key role in promoting tourism through innovative solutions and developing new business models. On its part, the Government is promoting entrepreneurial initiatives in the tourism industry, which, with its dense backward linkages, supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals more than any other industry. We undertook major reform by adopting a tourist friendly visa regime under which tourists from 126 countries can obtain fast-track visas without fee. I am confident that this decision will play a key role in in the promotion of the tourism sector and open new avenues for socioeconomic development in Pakistan. It is also a matter of great satisfaction that both the Federation and the Provinces are taking commendable initiatives for promoting recreation, adventure, religious, heritage, sports, eco, wildlife and cultural tourism in all regions of Pakistan. Let us work jointly to promote Pakistan as a premier tourist destination by showcasing our warmth, hospitality, and resilience to the world. Together, we can unlock the full potential of sustainable tourism and create a brighter and peaceful future for our next generations. Pakistan Paindabad!
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