Date: 02 October 2025
Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), held a productive meeting with Mr. William Bent, Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs at the Embassy of the United States of America, on 2nd October at the PTDC Head Office in Islamabad. The session marked a significant step towards fostering deeper cooperation in the field of tourism between Pakistan and the United States.
Focus on Adventure, Eco, Cultural and Heritage Tourism
The two sides discussed a wide range of opportunities for the promotion of tourism, with a special focus on adventure tourism, ecotourism, and cultural and heritage tourism. These sectors have been increasingly recognized as areas where Pakistan holds immense potential to attract international travelers.
PTDC’s Vision for Pakistan Tourism
Mr. Rana welcomed the esteemed guest and gave a detailed briefing on PTDC’s initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s image as a premier tourist destination. He emphasized the importance of fostering B2B linkages, encouraging investment promotion, and creating new job opportunities through the development of sustainable tourism projects.
US Embassy’s Commitment to Cooperation
Mr. William Bent appreciated PTDC’s efforts and expressed a strong interest in enhancing collaboration between the two nations. He indicated willingness to explore opportunities for:
- Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote B2B and G2G linkages
- Participation in international tourism fairs and exhibitions
- Conducting online training sessions for capacity building
- Launching exchange and scholarship programs for tourism industry professionals
Strengthening People-to-People Ties
Both sides highlighted the importance of fostering people-to-people connections through tourism, which not only strengthens diplomatic ties but also enhances cultural understanding between Pakistanis and Americans.
Concluding the Meeting
The meeting concluded with the presentation of a souvenir to Mr. William Bent by PTDC’s Managing Director. The PTDC reaffirmed its commitment to building strong partnerships for the growth and promotion of tourism in Pakistan, aiming to showcase the country’s unique cultural, natural, and historical assets to the world.
With initiatives like these, Pakistan continues its journey toward becoming a global destination for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and heritage.