Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday asked the private sector to take lead in exploring Pakistan's true potential in tourism, assuring government's full support to present the country as an attractive tourist destination. The Prime Minister made these remarks while reviewing a presentation on promotion of tourism at a meeting held at the Prime Minister House.
Tourism Minister Dr Said G.G. Jamal, Minister of State Sumera Malik, Tariq Kirmani, Chairman PIA, besides representatives of hotel industry and tour operators in the private sector and senior government officials attended the meeting. Prime Minister Aziz said Pakistan has a lot of potential in natural, religious and historical tourism that needs to be properly projected and marketed.
The government has declared the year 2006 as "Visit to Pakistan Year" as part of the policy to woo tourists.
The Prime Minister said the government, private sector and the airlines were important stakeholders, which can take the tourism industry to new height by exploiting true potential of the country. The government, he added, would play the role of a facilitator and enabler while the private sector should play a leading role in promoting tourism.
The Prime Minister called for a focused approach in attracting tourists with comprehensive packages that should include end-to-end services - from travelling to transportation and back home.
In this connection, he said the government would simplify the procedure of visa issuance, reduce airfares and provide transportation for hassle-free visit to sites around the country.
The Prime Minister, while identifying some of areas, which can be exploited for tourism said that Pakistan being a centre of Ghandhara civilisation can attract Buddhist tourists. Similarly, Moenjodaro and Harappa were attractive tourists' destinations, he said and added, Northern Areas have three of the world highest mountain ranges, which can attract trekkers. The Lahore and Taxila museums, he said, have one of the finest collections of artifacts and directed these should be made world class museums.
The Prime Minister said the government would do what it can to further promote tourism, improve country's image and come with attractive economic packages for tourists. He called for a focussed approach, innovative strategy and proper follow up to putting Pakistan on tourism map of the world.
Prime Minister Aziz underlined the need for closer collaboration with the private sector to achieve the desired results. He also commended the ministry of tourism for its efforts and assured all support of the government to encourage tourism.
Salim Gul Sheikh, Secretary Tourism in his presentation highlighted the vision, targets and the strategy of the ministry for encouraging and promoting tourism.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan International Airlines can play a critical role and its offices around the world can help both promote and project special packages for various sites in Pakistan by collaborating with tour operators and hotel industry.