Minister of State for Culture, Huzaifa Rehman, has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation’s tourism goals, highlighting the country’s efforts to position tourism as a major pillar of economic development.

Addressing the 4th D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Tourism Cooperation held in Cairo, Egypt, the minister emphasized that Pakistan is actively aligning with the D-8 vision to drive economic growth through enhanced tourism collaboration among member states.

“Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan is prioritizing tourism development through focused initiatives and strategic planning,” he noted.

Key Highlights of Pakistan’s Tourism Strategy:

• Infrastructure Development: Large-scale investment is underway to improve tourism-related infrastructure across the country.

• Digital Tourism Integration: Technology is being used to enhance tourist services and accessibility.

• Hospitality Training Programs: Workforce capacity-building is a central component of tourism promotion.

• Cultural Heritage Conservation: Efforts are being made to preserve historical and cultural sites.

• Quality Assurance Measures: Focus on maintaining international tourism standards across services.

The minister highlighted that the D-8 countries hold rich cultural, natural, and historical tourism assets. By working together, the member states can unlock immense economic and social benefits.

“Our joint strategies can boost people-to-people connections and help transform the D-8 region into a global tourism hub,” he stated.

Pakistan’s “Salam Pakistan” Tourism Drive:

Rehman elaborated on the “Salam Pakistan” initiative, a rebranding effort designed to showcase the country’s tourism assets. He noted that Pakistan is actively promoting:

• Adventure Travel

• Religious and Cultural Tourism

• Eco-Friendly Tourism

• Medical Wellness Tourism

• Recreational and Family Tourism

Visa and Travel Facilitation:

To encourage regional travel, Pakistan has implemented a tourist-friendly e-visa policy, offering free-of-cost e-visas to over 125 countries, including all D-8 members.

Rehman called for:

• Simplified visa regimes across the D-8 network.

• Increased direct air connectivity between member state capitals and major cities.

• Professional exchange programs and collaborative marketing plans.

• Tourism exhibitions and travel fairs to showcase regional tourism opportunities.

The minister concluded by urging all D-8 nations to strengthen tourism cooperation to ensure a peaceful, prosperous, and interconnected future for their citizens.