ISLAMABAD: The Caretaker Minister of State for Tourism, Wasi Shah, announced on Monday that Pakistan witnessed an impressive 115% increase in foreign tourism in 2023, resulting in the country earning $1.3 billion in foreign exchange revenue.
In an interview with a private news channel, the minister highlighted that, according to the ‘World Tourism Barometer’ published by the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations, Pakistan demonstrated a remarkable 92% recovery to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, with a significant surge in tourist arrivals.
Expressing optimism for 2024, the minister anticipated further development in the tourism sector, positioning Pakistan as a powerhouse in this industry. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to promote tourism and identify unexplored tourism destinations in Sindh and Balochistan, encompassing adventure, religious, nature, weekend, rural, and tribal tourism.
Wasi Shah emphasized Pakistan’s diverse natural beauty, featuring beaches, cliffs, forests, hills, valleys, and rivers, all in one breathtaking location. He underscored the need for the newly elected government to focus on showcasing and preserving mostly unspoiled and undiscovered places.
The minister highlighted Pakistan’s global outreach and mentioned the country’s participation in international market shows like the World Travel Mart (WTM) to attract more tourists.
He noted that the Pakistan pavilion at the WTM in London, one of the world’s largest travel shows, successfully engaged travel enthusiasts, representatives of international travel companies, and social media influencers.
In response to a question, the minister celebrated Pakistan’s declaration as the best tourism destination in the world, attributing it as a gift for the nation. He mentioned the government’s commitment to simplifying procedures, encouraging private sector involvement, and creating an environment conducive to the growth of the tourism industry. —APP
