Karachi 26th November 2017, Pakistan’s tourism industry has begun creeping after having experienced more than a decade-long wave of terrorism as the country’s first international travel and tourism expo Pakistan Travel Mart (PTM) was organized in Karachi.
It is a testimony that Pakistan has left behind its bitter past and now moving to promote tourism. The three-day event was inaugurated by Syed Sardar Shah, provincial minister for culture and tourism, along with the tourism heads of all regions and provinces of Pakistan.
He lauded the efforts of the organizers of Pakistan Travel Mart (PTM), saying that this exhibition has sent a strong message to the anti-state elements. He said through this event we told the world that Pakistanis are a peace loving nation and keen to showcase their rich culture. There are some 150 stalls of foreign and local exhibitors at the event. Approximately 4000 visitors visited on the first day of PTM 2017.
Tariq Khan, deputy secretary tourism, Touseef Khalid, adviser to the Chief Minister on Tourism KPK, Abdul Munim Khan, DG TDCP, Ahmer Malik, GM TDCP, Asjad Ghani, minister for Tourism and Sports Gilgit Baltistan, Fida Khan Fida, secretary Tourism KPK, Waqar Ali Khan, DG Tourism AJK, Mahmood Ahmad Shah, minister for Finance AJK, Dr Najeeb Naqi, Secretary Tourism Balochistan, Zafar Ali Buledi, FPCCI vice chairman, Ishtiaq Baig visited the exhibition.
The event received an overwhelming response and the first day of PTM witnessed a significant number of dignitaries at the mega event including higher officials from the national flag-carrier, PIA. The event also featured cultural performances from Thailand, Malaysia, KPK, Gilgit Baltistan, which made the event a vividly colorful celebration.
Government of Sindh, Shaheen Airlines, Hashoo Hotels, PIA, TAAP, HOAP, Bukhari Group, Universal Insurance, DOTW Pakistan, Qatar Airways, Meezab Group, Serena Hotels, Serene Air, Turkish Airlines, Travelport, Polani Group, Tourism Boards of Punjab, Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir participated in the PTM, 2017.
