ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Abdul Ghafoor Khan has said that Pakistan is the custodian of Gandhara Buddhist Civilizations and there are numerous holy places in Pakistan of great value for Japanese Buddhist people.
During a meeting with Second Secretary of Japanese Embassy Daijo TSUCHIKAWA in Islamabad, he said that due to the restoration of peace and betterment of law and order situation in the country, the Japanese tourist flow is once again showing a remarkable increase over the previous two years.
The MD PTDC said that the significance of Buddhist civilization remains in Pakistan for Japanese people can boost up tourist flow to Pakistan as a result of proper publicity.
Abdul Ghafoor said that it will be 65th Anniversary of Pakistan and Japan’s diplomatic relations next year and we have planned a number of activities in order to celebrate this long-lasting relationship.
“I am surprised to realize that above 20 million tourists visit Japan every year and we are ready to learn from their experience by adopting the strategies of Japan’s tourism industry,” he said.
The PTDC managing director said that the Hasegawa Memorial Public School in Hunza is an initiative of Japan Government for enhancement of skills of local people in fruit cultivation as well as education in the area.
The Japanese government also supported in restoration of Ata Abad Lake.
He told that PTDC’s has already published a few brochures in Japanese language, soft copy of which is also available with PTDC’s website on homepage.
“We will also provide links to Japanese Embassy in Pakistan and Embassy of Pakistan in Japan on our website,” he said.
Abdul Ghafoor further added that we are ready to host visit of Japanese travel writers to write a guide book on Pakistan in their language on the pattern of “Siarnwe Book”, which means a way to walk on earth, which we can see on lonely planet as well.
“We are also planning to prepare a fresh documentary film, which will also be translated in Japanese language for display on travel channels of Japan,” the MD PTDC said.
“We have also planned to launch an exclusive tourism channel in Pakistan, which will continuously display different documentaries on nature, culture, history, archaeology and tourist attractions of Pakistan.”
Daijo TSUCHIKAWA said that Japan is assisting Pakistan in energy sector and a number of artists from Pakistan have been sent to Japan for paintings displays at different tourist attractions.
On their return, they will be meeting H.E. the Ambassador. He told that through the JENESYS Programme, Japanese government providing a sound foundation for strong solidarity within Asia through large-scale youth exchange.
This programme will also be launched for Pakistan to train and educate youth for the tourism sector.
He appreciated the efforts and dedication of MD PTDC for promotion and development of tourism in Pakistan, which was a neglected sector in the past.
