GILGIT: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) hosted the 2nd Tourism Summit in Skardu from August 13 to 15, 2024, showcasing the vast tourism potential of the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
The event brought together ambassadors and diplomats from ten countries, along with prominent business leaders and media representatives, aiming to foster collaboration and explore opportunities to enhance Pakistan’s tourism industry.
The summit served as a platform for dialogue among stakeholders, focusing on the development of tourism in Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan. The discussions are expected to lead to increased investment, infrastructure development, and significant policy reforms that will promote the region as a global tourism destination.
Dr Riina Kionka, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, lauded Gilgit-Baltistan as the most beautiful area in Pakistan, emphasizing its potential to enhance the country’s global image through tourism.
She underscored the European Union’s commitment to initiating several projects aimed at promoting tourism in the region, including initiatives in education, trade, health, and climate change.
Mazhar Bin Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, highlighted the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Malaysia.
He praised Pakistan’s achievements over the past 77 years. He emphasized the need for mutual cooperation in tourism between Pakistan and Malaysia, noting that such collaboration could significantly boost Pakistan’s economy and enhance its global reputation.
Dr Ihab Abdel Hamid Hasan, Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan, commended ICCI’s efforts to promote tourism and attract international tourists to Gilgit-Baltistan. He announced his intention to facilitate visa-on-arrival for Pakistani businesspersons, which he believes will strengthen economic ties between Egypt and Pakistan.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Khizr Farhadov, highlighted the breathtaking beauty of Pakistan’s northern areas, particularly Gilgit-Baltistan, calling it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. He stressed the immense tourism potential of the region and expressed hope that the Tourism Summit would be a turning point for Pakistan’s tourism industry.
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Yerzan Kristafin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, echoed similar sentiments, praising Pakistan’s natural beauty and its resilient people. He reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, hoping that the summit would significantly contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth through tourism.
Ambassador of Myanmar, Wunna Han, drew parallels between Gilgit-Baltistan’s cultural heritage and that of his own country, expressing optimism that the summit would unlock the region’s tourism potential. Meanwhile, Mohammed Motaher Alashabi, Ambassador of Yemen, discussed Yemen’s cultural heritage and tourism potential, advocating for closer tourism ties between Yemen and Pakistan.
Libya’s Charge d’Affaires, Mohammad BinJama, and the Portuguese diplomat also emphasized the importance of strengthening tourism links between Pakistan and their respective countries, envisioning joint efforts to boost travel and cultural exchange.
Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed his sincere gratitude to the participating ambassadors and diplomats. He reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to driving economic growth through tourism development, pledging to continue fostering collaboration and innovation under his leadership.
On Pakistan’s Independence Day, the ICCI organized a flag-hoisting ceremony at Deosai, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The ceremony was attended by the ambassadors and diplomats, along with delegates from the National Tourism Summit, marking a significant moment in the promotion of Pakistan’s tourism potential.
The ICCI honoured the visiting ambassadors and diplomats with awards in recognition of their contributions to promoting business relations and tourism between Pakistan and their respective countries.
The ICCI presented shields to Sajid Ali Sadpara, a renowned Pakistani high-altitude mountaineer, and Raja Nasir Ali Khan, Minister for Planning and Development Gilgit-Baltistan, for their exceptional services to the tourism industry.