ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Pakistan Tourism Development Cooperation (PTDC) would announce National Tourism Policy shortly, said Managing Director Chaudhry Kabir Ahmad Khan on Thursday.
“The new policy will be introduced after the PTDC completes consultation with all the stakeholders” Chaudhry Kabir expressed these view in a meeting with different stakeholders of tourism sector.
He apprised the meeting that Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had already ordered to bring all subjects related to tourism left with the federal level under one ministry.
He said that on the PM’s directions, Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Pervaiz Rashid was getting feedback from the stakeholders of tourism industry to get input on the proposed policy, after effects of devolution of Tourism subject to provinces and the issues being faced by tourism industry currently and their solutions.
Col. (R) Manzoor Hussain, President Alpine Club of Pakistan highlighted the issues being faced by mountaineers and trekkers and tour operators.
He said that after devolution, department of tourist services had been bifurcated among the provinces and at the federal level.
Agha M. Tariq Siraj, Chairman Travel Agent Association of Pakistan (TAAP) extended support to Tourism Policy and marketing of tourism products nationally and internationally through platform of the association.
Jehan Ara Mueen, General Secretary Adventure Foundation Pakistan (AFP) said that there was a need to build up a brighter face of Pakistan among the world through aggressive media campaign.
Irfanullah Baig, President Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO) stressed upon the need for easing the visa formalities and verification process of tourist groups.
“The act will also help us to increase tourist influx to Pakistan and to create a secure environment for tourists in the country” he added.
APP
