ISLAMABAD: Managing Director, Pakistan To
urism Development Corporation (PTDC) Ch. Abdul Ghafoor Khan
said that in the past, to
urism was a neglected sector but the present government is committed to develop Pakistan into an international hub for business and to
urism setting an example for rest of the world on Thursday.
He express
ed these views during a meeting with Ukrainian Ambassador Volodymyr Lakomov at his office in Islamabad to fasten the bilateral relations on to
urism cooperation between the two countries. He
said that “The combination of snow-capped mountain ranges of Pakistan, lakes, valleys, rivers, deserts, history and culture make Pakistan the most unique tourist destination of the world, an example of which is the Skardu where one can enjoy mountains, river, forest and desert at the same time and the flight lands between the sand dunes.”
He
said that “After assuming the charge of Managing Director PTDC, I have segregat
ed the different sectors of to
urism that include religious, sports and adventure and medical to
urism etc.” He informed that he visited Thailand and met their To
urism Police Chief in order to learn from their experience and launch a same force in Pakistan too.
He added that, “The Prime Minister’s vision for development of Pakistan as modern and prosperous country resulted into launch of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project which is starting from Gilgit Baltistan (GB).”
“CPEC is the future of Pakistan which will create millions of jobs not only for the country but also for the region by playing a pivotal role in launching these billions of dollars economic activities for Pakistan,” he added.
“We are presently focusing on Gilgit Baltistan and soon a Ski resort will be developed at Nalter Valley in addition to a 5-star hotel at Gilgit by the River. We are o
ffering our 25 acres of land at Islamabad for development of a tourist resort as well as PTDC ongoing projects are also available for joint ventures,” he said.
Ghafoor said, “To
urism is the only industry through which we can spre
ad message of peace in the country and counter the terrorism. There are lot more common to
urism features between Pakistan and Ukraine which include Adventure Sports and mountaineering which can be jointly publicized and benefits can be reaped.”
The Ambassador
said that he has visited a numerous places in Pakistan and found that there is a huge to
urism potential which requires proper publicity. He told that he has visited GB, Lahore and Moenjodaro.
He said, “Ukraine has a number of ski resorts where a large number of adventure tourists participate in annual ski tournaments. Pakistan also needs to develop ski resort. Last year, a number of tourists from Ukraine visited Pakistan for participating in Skiing Tournament at Nalter.” He
said that he is fond of Qasuri Fenugreek (Maithi) and likes Pakistani cuisine very much.
He appreciat
ed the role of Pakistani Ambassador in Ukrain Athar Abbas for promoting Pakistan to
urism in Ukraine and said, “Most of Ukrainian Embassy Staff in Islamabad is recently posted and they are willing to visit different tourist places in Pakistan.”
The MD said, “We invite them to visit Swat Valley, Ayubia and Nathia Gali. MD also presented him a copy of PTDC newly published Amazing Pakistan Magazine which was very much appreciated by the ambassador.”