Pakistan has sought the co-operation of Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) to help rescue its sinking tourism industry that suffered massive blows following 9/11 as well War Against Terrorism - the two prime factors that played havoc with country's enchanting tourism sector.
"I don't know how do you need us, but we definitely need you to promoting our tourism," Minister for Tourism Maulana Atta ur Rehman said while addressing a meeting of the Pata held recently at Macao, China. Maulana Atta said though security situation in NWFP was not fit for tourism, but Northern Areas were fully safe to travel.
He apprised the participants of Pakistan's rich archaeological heritage, relics of ancient civilisations like Gandhara and Indus, serene valleys, vast deserts, tall mountains and five of 14 mountain peaks over 8,000 metres. Pata Secretary assured of all out co-operation to Pakistan in its efforts to reviving tourism industry.
The Minister for Tourism also participated in a conference held under the aegis of United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) at Qatar. Maulana Atta had a meeting with UNWTO Secretary General Talib Rafai and informed him about country's tourism situation.
He told the UNWTO Secretary General that except sporadic incidents of violence in areas bordering Afghanistan, the rest of Pakistan was a safe destination for tourism. The minister said Pakistan was being negatively projected in the international media that was having adverse impacts on its spectacular tourism industry. "We are a very hospitable people and a peace-long country."
The UNWTO Secretary General held out assurance to the minister that Pakistan would not be left alone in its struggle for elevating its rich tourism industry. "UNWTO is at Pakistan's disposal...it would do whatever it can to help Pakistan revive its tourism industry," he maintained. He said a member from Pakistan would be inducted in UNWTO, which had representations from all member states.
Later, the minister also met with the Qatar Tourism Authority Chairman Ahmed Abdullah Al-Naeemi and discussed ways and means to promote tourism activities between the two countries. He also visited the Islamic Cultural Central.