ISLAMABAD:The 1st National Tourism Awards of Excellence celebrated with full zest in Islamabad with theme “Celebrating Peace through Tourism” was organized by Discover Pakistan and Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation(PTDC) on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2024.
The National Tourism Awards seek to recognize and encourage the remarkable endeavours of those who are contributing to the growth and development of tourism and hospitality sector in Pakistan.
The event was attended by over 300 participants including Diplomats, Senior Government Officials and Private Sector Stakeholders of tourism and hospitality sector.
In the event, awards were distributed among the individuals and organization who make remarkable contribution in independent jury of top professionals of tourism and hospitality sector through an extremely fair and transparent procedure.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest of the event Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal stated that, “The National Tourism Awards of Excellence highlight the remarkable progress of Pakistan is making in the tourism and hospitality sectors. As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2024, under the theme ‘Tourism & Peace,’ we recognize the power of tourism in promoting peace, understanding, and economic growth.I congratulate all the winners for their outstanding contributions and encourage further efforts to showcase Pakistan’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality to the world.”
He said we are mutual of several rich civilizations, including Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Gandhara, and beautiful landscaping like mountains, deserts, lush green areas, rivers, etc. Due to discontinuity in policies we cannot make tourism a good industry, he said adding that we have moved Pakistan towards a stable, developed and prosperous country, from defaulting threats.
He said economy is improving, continuity of policies is need of the hour as in this way we will be a top country of the world.
“Pakistan with a positive and soft image is rising in the world speedily. Without taking difficult decisions, Pakistan would not be developed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had taken several difficult decisions due to which Pakistan started progressing”.
He assured that government would support Tourism industry, and it’s relevant stakeholders like travels and tours operators and other areas. He said that after 18th amendment provinces did nothing in tourism sector.
Ministry of Planning is making National Brand of Pakistan and would also make tourism as brand at international level. We will ensure provision of missing facilities in tourism industry. The government is building new roads and motorways and we will bring tourists on these roads to promote tourism across the country especially in less developed areas.
He underlined the need of promoting tolerance in society so that international tourists would come to Pakistan freely and happily.
Managing Director of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) while congratulating Discover Pakistan HD TV for their initiative of 1st National Tourism Awards of Excellence which will held on the annual basis, expressed that “these National Tourism Awards not only celebrate individual and organizational success but also reflect the overall growth of Pakistan’s tourism industry. On World Tourism Day, we renew our commitment to making tourism a key part of Pakistan’s development. These awards recognize the hard work of those ensuring our country becomes a top destination for both local and international tourists, while also promoting peace, sustainability, and cultural exchange.”
MD PTDC Aftab Rana further said that Pakistan has been facing many challenges in past specially after 9/11 due to which the tourism industry could not grow as no tourist wanted to come here due to the circumstances of Pakistan. But now time has come when tourists are coming to Pakistan with huge numbers.
He said Tourism Industry plays a key role in GDP of any country. It is very important day for us as all tourism industry relevant stakeholders have joined this award ceremony. The other purpose behind this award show is to improve the quality of services in the industry to attract maximum international tourists. “We can kick out terrorism from Pakistan by promoting tourism” he added.
Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said that since 2017 there was no direct investment came in Pakistan.
After seven years now in 2023-24 several countries like KSA, China, UAE, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, are now started investing in the Pakistan, he added. “We are bringing new initiatives for youth of the country. We have to portray the soft image of Pakistans at World level to attract the international tourists in our beautiful country. Pakistani foods, art and culture are also part of tourism and gaining momentum at World level, he added.
“Discover Pakistan is proud to host the 1st National Tourism Awards of Excellence. This event recognizes the outstanding efforts of those transforming Pakistan’s tourism industry and aligns with the global celebration of World Tourism Day. As we honour these individuals and organizations, we also renew our mission to showcase Pakistan’s beauty, diversity, and hospitality to the world, using tourism as a bridge for peace and understanding”said the CEO Discover Pakistan HD TV.
He congratulated all the winners and thanked all the supporting partners of 1st National Tourism Awards of Excellence.
World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27th, highlights the importance of tourism in driving economic growth, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting sustainability.
In his closing remarks, former Governor Punjab Baligh Ur Rehman said that we have a huge potential, and the government is now focusing on the tourism industry. “Our potential is unparalleled and we will enhance tourism opportunities speedily”.
He lauded the efforts of Dr Qaiser Rafiq CEO of Discover Pakistan for promoting Pakistan at international level.
This year’s theme,”Tourism & Peace,” emphasizes tourism’s role in encouraging mutual respect, reducing tensions,and building global harmony by connecting people across borders.
The day also underscores tourism’s contributions to job creation, cultural preservation, and responsible travel, all while promoting international cooperation and sustainable development.
The event was organized by Discover Pakistan TV with the support of PTDC, Green Tourism Pvt.Ltd, and provincial tourism departments.
