Pakistan and China Year of Tourism 2023 celebrated
Islamabad: Pakistan and China Year of Tourism 2023 was celebrated here.
The event was organized by the Pakistan-China Friendship Association of Khyber in collaboration with the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC),.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistani Caretaker Minister of State for Tourism, Syed Wasi Shah, said that the joint Pakistan and China Year of Tourism celebrations in 2023 would significantly contribute to the promotion and growth of Pakistan’s tourism industry.
Shah emphasized the profound friendship between Pakistan and China, describing it as stronger than mountains, deeper than oceans, and sweeter than honey. He extended a warm welcome to Chinese investors, encouraging them to explore opportunities in Pakistan.
Shah highlighted China’s attraction as a destination blending ancient traditions and modern marvels, attracting travelers worldwide. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, the Chinese have shown a growing interest in both domestic and international travel, as evidenced by their substantial spending of over $255 billion on tourism prior to the global pandemic.
The Minister pointed out that in 2019, more than 155 million Chinese tourists traveled abroad, significantly contributing to host countries’ economies.
He emphasized the potential for Pakistan to become a must-visit destination on Chinese travelers’ itineraries, citing Pakistan’s rich cultural and religious sites, stunning natural landscapes, historic significance, and extensive Buddhist heritage.
Notable places like Takht-i-Bhai and Mohen-jo-Daro provide glimpses into history, while the Gandhara art, blending Hellenistic and Buddhist styles, is showcased in museums like the Lahore Museum.
As part of the Pakistan China Year of Tourism, PTDC organized webinars to foster Business-to-Business (B2B) connections between Chinese and Pakistani tour operators, he added.
Additionally, a training seminar on tourism promotion for developing countries is taking place in Beijing from August 22nd to September 11th, 2023, involving representatives from PTDC and the Tourism Department of Gilgit Baltistan.
Shah announced that publications about Pakistan and the Buddhist Heritage Trail are now available in Chinese, both in print and as e-publications on their website. Collaborative efforts with the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing aim to promote tourism in China, with comprehensive information available on their website in Chinese. Furthermore, Chinese tourists can now apply for tourist visas online via Pakistan’s E-portal.
The PTDC also plans to send a delegation of tour operators to participate in the China Outbound Travel and Tourism Mart in Beijing in November 2023. This move aims to strengthen B2B ties between tour operators from both countries, ultimately boosting tourist traffic.
Minister Shah underscored the promising opportunities expected to emerge in the coming decades, notably driven by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other business ventures.
Chinese Embassy Cultural Consular China Zheng Heqing , in his speech, expressed gratitude to Pakistan for celebrating Pakistan and China Year of Tourism-2023, recognizing its potential to promote bilateral tourism. China’s keen interest in investing in Pakistan’s tourism industry was highlighted.
Heqing praised Minister of State Wasi Shah and PTDC for their role in advancing tourism in Pakistan, highlighting the rich cultural and religious heritage shared by both countries, particularly the renowned Gandhara tourism in Pakistan.
Senior Journalist and Analyst Saleem Safi hailed the enduring and exemplary friendship between Pakistan and China, symbolized by CPEC, describing it as a valuable gift from China.
He noted Pakistan’s efforts to ensure a peaceful environment at tourist sites to attract foreign visitors.”
