Pakistan is a country blessed with a very rich potential for almost all types of tourism, which potential has not been exploited to its optimum.

SAARC, ECO and OIC could serve as best platforms to enhance our tourism growth by linking member countries through cultural, religious, social, regional, socio-economic and educational ties, Mahfooz Elahi, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) has said, while in a meeting at ICCI.

He was of the view that number of local and foreign investors could be attracted by organizing special events, trade fairs and cultural events. There is a dire need to repel the existing image of Pakistan as a state of Violent and efforts should be made at all levels to present Pakistan as a country of peace.

ICCI President cited the example of Brazil, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Turkey and said that these nations turned in to prosperous states through tourism. The same approaches were needed in Pakistan for speedy and focus growth of its tourism, he added.

He said that the government should actively promote the tourism industry to boost its foreign-exchange earnings and finance the import of capital goods necessary for the growth of manufacturing sectors in the economy.

The rapid growth of tourism could lead to a growth of household incomes directly and indirectly by means of multiplier effects and improve the balance of payments, Elahi opinioned.

ICCI President said that Pakistan has the most amazing mix of diverse cultures, history, archeology, deserts, mountains and rivers. Therefore, our government should attract foreign tourists to explore our history, culture and religious sites which would generate unending opportunities for socio- economic development.

He urged the government to allocate sufficient funds to tourism industry because a rise in the number of tourists coming from abroad would help to improve the country’s image. Thus, government should give more priority to the tourism industry and exhibits the significance regulatory framework in our tourist areas by making available supportive business opportunities with improved transportation facilities, he emphasized.