Pak-German relations in tourism sector to enhance further

Islamabad

The bilateral relations between Pakistan and Germany are ideal and cooperation in the field of tourism will further enhance these ties.

This was stated by Ch. Abdul Ghafoor Khan, Managing Director, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) during a meeting with Ina Lepel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany. 

He further informed that Pakistan is regularly participating in International Tourism Borse/ITB Fair Berlin, Germany being held in the first or second week of March. PTDC has been participating in this fair for the last three decades.

Pakistan, being the custodian of Heritage, mountains, valleys, deserts, rivers and beaches.  Pakistan has three mountain ranges Karakoram, Himalayan and Hindu Kush. Out of 14 highest peaks in the world, five are in Pakistan including K-2, the second highest peak in the world. Pakistan has a huge treasure of ancient civilizations like Indus Valley and Gandhara civilisations with a diverse culture of multi ethnic groups.

German Ambassador informed that tourists from Germany are visiting Pakistan for mountaineering and trekking. They are very fond of adventure and nature. She further informed that Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Germany/German Tourism Organisation are already offering technical & vocational Education & Training (TVET) reforms in Pakistan.

The Ambassador further expressed her view that PTDC may promote domestic tourism in the current circumstances and the local tourists must take care of the environment not to throw garbage everywhere.

Ghafoor Khan remarked that being a managing director I am going to take some measures to promote tourism in the country and give the message to the international community regarding the soft image of Pakistan. In this regard we are going to explore new destinations and inviting investors to invest in this sector to make pre-fabricated resorts and other facilities. We are in the process of launching tourism channel which will cover only tourism matters.  At the same time we are contacting the diplomatic community based in Pakistan and our counter parts around the globe to promote tourism.

The Managing Director urged the German government to review its travel advisory for German tourists to visit Pakistan. He further said the meetings on tourism should continue between the two countries.

The German Ambassador appreciated the efforts of the present government of Pakistan for the promotion of tourism in the country. The Managing Director stressed upon the need to invite the investors to Pakistan for building up fabricated resorts at different tourists destinations of Northern Areas.

The ambassador informed that the government of Pakistan should issue NOCs to foreign tourists to visit the Neelum Valley which she termed most beautiful. The managing director informed about the steps taken by the PTDC for promotion of tourism in the country.