ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (APP): Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), under Federal Government’s directives, is actively working to project and promote Pakistan’s soft image at global level, in addition to dispatch tourism delegations to international markets for highlighting the major tourist spots of country.
“Recently, Pakistani delegations participated in the International Mart in London. In the upcoming months, they will also visit Turkey, Germany, and New York to further enhance Pakistan’s visibility in the global tourism market,” said Managing Director PTDC Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana on Thursday.
In an exclusive talk with APP, he said the PTDC by sending these delegations, remained committed to position Pakistan as a leading tourism destination, thus showcasing the nation’s cultural heritage and natural beauty to the world.
Welcoming the new visa policy, Aftab Rana highlighted its efficiency and accessibility, stating that “The new visa policy allows tourists from 126 countries to obtain visas within 24 hours easily via an online system, completely free of any charge,”.
This initiative was aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s global image and boost foreign tourism, he added.
He expressed the optimism that the new visa policy will attract a significant number of foreign tourists to Pakistan and said there was definitely a potential for further improvements.
He emphasized that Sikh pilgrims, in particular, were benefiting from the relaxed visa rules, enabling them to visit Pakistan without delays or fees.
Aftab Rana also underlined the broader benefits of enhanced tourism, including fostering people-to-people connections and creating a positive global perception of the country. “Tourism development helps showcase Pakistan’s rich culture, historical sites, religious landmarks, and picturesque valleys, projecting country’s soft image globally,” he noted.
He further highlighted the potential for Pakistan to emerge as a hub of international tourism by expanding facilities and promoting the it’s diverse attractions. Referring to direct flights from neighboring countries such as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan, he stated that these connections will curtail travel expenses, save time, and make Pakistan more accessible to international tourists.
He said that Tajikistan had recently commenced direct flights to Pakistan, while Uzbekistan was expected to start flights later this month. Additionally, direct flights from Azerbaijan have already begun, further facilitating international travel to Pakistan, he added.
“If Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other carriers initiated direct flights to additional destinations, it will further ease the challenges faced by tourists,” he said