Islamabad, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) along with Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Embassy of Pakistan in Germany, provincial tourism departments and private sector stakeholders is participating in ITB Berlin 2023 to showcase the rich tourism potential of Pakistan with a view to boost inbound tourism in the country. Pakistan pavilion in ITB Berlin 2023 was formally inaugurated by H.E. Ambassador of Pakistan in Germany – Dr Mohammad Faisal.
It is due to the continuous efforts and active participation of Advisor to Prime Minister on Tourism and Sports/ Chairman – PTDC and Managing Director PTDC that a joint delegation of public and private sector stakeholders is attending the event under one umbrella after the interval of 14 years.
Keeping in view the Austerity measures of government of Pakistan, APM on Tourism and MD PTDC are attending ITB in virtual mode to minimize the cost of Participation. Efforts have been made that maximum number of private tour operators could participate in this travel to showcase their tour products and develop B2B linkages. 13 private sector companies and 4 provincial tourism departments including KPK, Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Balitistan along with PTDC and T-DAP are part of delegation representing Pakistan in ITB Berlin 2023.
Mr. Awn Chaudhry, Advisor to Prime Minister on Tourism and Sports and Managing Director PTDC attended the inauguration ceremony of Pakistan Pavilion in ITB Berlin 2023 via zoom link. Addressing the event virtually, expressed that Pakistan is known for its bewitching natural beauty, cultural richness, and unparalleled hospitality offered to tourists. He added that the government is committed to boost tourism and is making all-out effort to improve the infrastructure for tourists and recover the inbound tourism to the pre-pandemic level. Advisor appreciated the organizers and assured that government of Pakistan is ready to extend its full assistance in the tourism and hospitality industry to enhance foreign tourists’ influx in the country.
Aftab ur Rehman Rana – Managing Director, PTDC, also attended the event virtually and said that Pakistan is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, has innumerable locations of scenic beauty, world’s highest mountains, many religious and historic places, unique arts and crafts and a rich culture and heritage. He further stated that Pakistan is now making all efforts to attract more foreign tourists and I believe that our delegation participating in ITB 2023 will utilise this time in a most effective manner to promote the image of Pakistan as a tourist friendly destination.
H.E. Ambassador of Pakistan in Germany, Dr Mohammad Faisal inaugurated the Pavilion of Pakistan and expressed his great appreciation for the efforts of PTDC and T-DAP for putting together a national delegation for participation in ITB 2023. He said, that Pakistan’s participation in this biggest global event will certainly paved the way to build the image of Pakistan at international level.