December 11, 2006

Pakistan Tourism Ministry’s big plans for 2007

LAHORE: Tourism Ministry will begin ‘Destination Pakistan 2007’ programme from December 15 in Islamabad to promote the cultural heritage and scenic beauty of the country, Federal Tourism Minister Nelofar Bakhtiar said on Saturday.

Talking to reporters, she said that the programme would give a unique blend to tourists from all over the world. She said the government has planned a number of activities for the coming year to attract tourists. “Special packages will be offered to overseas Pakistanis and their children for visiting Pakistan,” she added.

The minister also highlighted measures taken by the government for the promotion of tourism in the country.

“Ranging from snow-covered mountains in the north to vast lush fields and forest resorts, Pakistan is also a destination for religious tourism,” she said. She urged tour operators, leading businessmen and people from different walks of life to play their role in promoting the soft image of Pakistan.

She said the government was promoting religious tourism. A large number of Buddhists and Sikhs visited their religious places in Pakistan every year.

She said Pakistan had the famous Silk Route, six out of eight highest peaks in the world and the Indus Valley civilisation. She also appreciated the efforts of Prince Karim Aga Khan for building hotels and resorts in northern Pakistan, adding that more hotel chains were willing to operate in the major cities, especially in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad.

She said Pakistan was a hospitable country and the people of Pakistan wanted to share their culture, cuisine, music and art with the rest of the world. Full Story

No comments: