Keeping in view of the economic turnaround witnessed in the recent years due to the reforms initiated by the present regime, there is a dire need for according the industry status to the hotel sector.
LCCI President Mian Shafqat Ali expressed these views while speaking at inauguration of Memories Restaurant here on Thursday, Restaurant Chief Executive Mohammad Arshad, was also present on the occasion.
Shafqat said that once the hotel sector is given the status of industry, it would not only promote tourism, but would help generate much-needed foreign exchange for the country. "In the developed countries, the hotel sector enjoys the status of industry, but the situation in Pakistan is otherwise," he added.
The LCCI chief said the tourism has become even bigger than that of oil industry but it could not make any headway for lack of proper attention. Historically and culturally, too, Pakistan offers far greater diversity for the tourists than is generally assumed. Although an Islamic country, the local culture is enriched with the influences and resources of over half a dozen ancient civilisations that have flourished here since the 4th millennium BC.
"The historical and archaeological sites of the Gandhara and Indus Valley civilisations, Moenjodaro, the Mughal Empire; these treasures are relatively unknown outside the country, and are rich sources for the development of tourism in Pakistan. The city of Lahore has become hub of economic activity and there is a need for building more hotels," he added.