Minister directs development of infrastructure to promote tourism
By Bushra Makhdoom

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Water and Power and Tourism, Raja Pervez Ashraf has directed the Ministry of Tourism and Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) to formulate a comprehensive strategy for development and improvement in the infrastructural facilities for the promotion of the tourism in the country. He emphasized the need to formulate special packages and arrange guided tours to attract both domestic and foreign tourists in Pakistan . He also directed the Ministry to also develop tourist facilities in areas with tourist potential.
He said this while chairing a high level first meeting after taking additional charge of Ministry of Tourism here today. Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Managing Director, PTDC and senior officials of the Ministry and PTDC were present in the meeting.
Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Dr. Shehzad Qaiser and MD PTDC gave a detail briefing on the objectives and functions of the Ministry and its field offices. He apprised the Minister about the on-going mega projects launched by the ministry and new projects to be executed by PTDC. The vision of the Ministry is to create niche for Pakistan in global tourism market by projecting it as a four season tourist destination with rich cultural and historical heritage, he added. He further informed that to create an enabling environment for Pakistan Tourism industry to provide world class facilities that commensurate with our rich cultural heritage with the private sector, the ministry at the same time preserving and protecting our cultural and moral values and protecting a soft image of the country. He also informed that the country has earned a foreign exchange of 276.1 million US dollars during the year 2007 from the foreign tourists.
The Minister while appreciating the efforts of the Ministry urged for the completion of the on-going mega projects well in time. He said that Pakistan is a charming and beautiful country having great and rich culture and heritage with scenic sights, and through devising simple and viable planning, a large number of tourists could be attracted. He opined that first we should develop the infrastructure and turn the existing motels as profit making to attract more tourists in this regard.
He also asked the Ministry to approach the diplomatic missions in Pakistan , requesting them to convince their citizen to visit Pakistan to see the beautiful sites as well rich heritage. He also stressed the need to publicize through media as well as holding of seminars, international and national tourism events, to promote the soft image of the country to attract the more tourists. Mr. Ashraf also directed the Ministry to submit 100 days plan to promote tourist activities in the country.
The Minister extended full support to the ministry in executing of plans in this regard.