Islamabad, Sep 27: On the occasion of World Tourism Day 2024, Discover Pakistan and the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) brought together the first National Tourism Awards of Excellence, which were enthusiastically celebrated in Islamabad with the theme “Celebrating Peace through Tourism.”
The National Tourism Awards are intended to honor and promote the outstanding efforts of individuals who are advancing Pakistan’s tourism and hospitality industries.More than 300 people attended the event, including diplomats, high-ranking government officials, and representatives from the private tourism and hospitality sectors.
Through an incredibly fair and open process, prizes were given out to the people and organizations who stand out for their outstanding contributions to the tourism and hospitality sector by an impartial panel of top professionals.
“The National Tourism Awards of Excellence highlight the remarkable progress of Pakistan is making in the tourism and hospitality sectors,” said Chief Guest and Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, speaking on the occasion.
We acknowledge the role that tourism plays in fostering economic growth, understanding, and peace as we commemorate World Tourism Day 2024 under the theme “Tourism & Peace.”I extend my congratulations to each and every winner for their exceptional accomplishments and support further initiatives to present Pakistan’s breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and friendly people to the global community.
He remarked that we share many rich civilizations, such as those of Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, and Gandhara, as well as stunning natural features like mountains, deserts, verdant meadows, rivers, and so forth.He continued, saying that we have taken Pakistan away from economic dangers and towards a stable, developed, and rich nation. However, he claimed that we cannot make tourism a good sector due to policy discontinuities.
He stated that although the economy is improving, maintaining current policies is crucial if we are to maintain our position as the world’s top nation. Pakistan’s gentle and good image is helping it to rise quickly in the world. Pakistan would not have grown if difficult decisions had not been made. Pakistan began to advance as a result of the tough choices made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He gave the assurance that the government would assist the travel and tourism sector, as well as its pertinent players, such as tour and travel companies. He claimed that provinces accomplished little in the tourism sector following the 18th Amendment.
The Ministry of Planning is creating Pakistan’s national brand and plans to market travel as a global brand. We’ll make sure the tourism industry’s lacking amenities are provided. The government is constructing new highways and roads, and we plan to host visitors on these routes in order to boost travel throughout the nation particularly in underdeveloped regions.
He emphasized the need of fostering tolerance in society in order to encourage free and happy travel to Pakistan by foreign visitors.While thanking Discover Pakistan HD TV on their proposal of the first National Tourism Awards of Excellence, which would be hosted annually, the Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC)
stated that “the National Tourism Awards honor both organizational and individual achievement as well as the general expansion of Pakistan’s tourism sector.
We reaffirm our commitment to using tourism as a major engine for Pakistan’s development on this World Tourism Day. These honors pay tribute to the dedication of those who endeavor to make our nation a top travel destination for domestic and foreign travelers, all the while advancing cultural exchange, sustainability and peace.
MD PTDC Aftab Rana went on to say that Pakistan has faced numerous difficulties in the past, particularly in the wake of 9/11, which prevented the country’s tourism sector from expanding since foreign visitors were unwilling to visit Pakistan because of its current situation. However, the time has arrived for a large influx of tourists to Pakistan.
He claimed that the tourism sector is essential to every nation’s GDP. Since everyone who is crucial to the tourism business has attended this award ceremony, it is a very important day for us. This award show’s secondary goal is to raise industry standards for services in order to draw in as many foreign visitors as possible. “By encouraging tourism, we can drive out terrorism from Pakistan,” he continued.
According to Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Pakistan has not received any direct foreign investment since 2017. He said, “After seven years, in 2023–2024, a number of countries, including the KSA, China, UAE, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, have begun investing in Pakistan.” “We are introducing fresh programs for the nation’s youth.
With great pride, Discover Pakistan is hosting the inaugural National Tourism Awards of Excellence. This event is in line with the worldwide observance of World tourist Day and honors the extraordinary efforts of individuals revolutionizing Pakistan’s tourist sector. The CEO of Discover Pakistan HD TV said, “As we pay tribute to these people and organizations, we also reaffirm our mission to highlight Pakistan’s beauty, diversity, and hospitality to the world, using tourism as a bridge for peace and understanding.”
He thanked all of the sponsors and congratulated each and every winner of the first National Tourism Awards of Excellence.On September 27, the world celebrates World Tourism Day, highlighting the role that tourism plays in advancing sustainability, encouraging cross-cultural understanding, and economic prosperity.
Former Punjab Governor Baligh Ur Rehman stated in his parting speech that the administration is currently concentrating on the tourist sector since we have a lot of potential. “We have unmatched potential and will quickly expand tourism opportunities.”He praised Dr. Qaiser Rafiq, CEO of Discover Pakistan, for his efforts in bringing attention to Pakistan on a global scale.
The subject for this year is “Tourism & Peace,” which highlights how travel may foster cross-border connections, lower tensions, and promote respect for one another.
The day also highlights how tourism fosters global collaboration and sustainable development by supporting ethical travel, job creation, and cultural preservation.Discover Pakistan TV coordinated the event with assistance from the provincial tourism offices, Green Tourism Pvt.Ltd, and PTDC.
