Pakistan to promote tourism for peaceful, interconnected world: president

ISLAMABAD, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) — Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said on Friday that his country has been making efforts to promote tourism to build bridges of understanding and contribute towards a more peaceful and interconnected world.
“Tourism serves as a powerful bridge that connects nations and promotes understanding among people from diverse cultures around the globe. As tourists explore different countries, they come across diverse cultures and traditions that help promote peace, harmony, and goodwill worldwide,” the president said in a message to celebrate World Tourism Day, which is annually marked on Sept. 27.
He said that Pakistan has enormous tourism potential as it is blessed with spectacular landscapes, majestic mountains and peaks, vast deserts, and beautiful coastlines, adding that the country is home to the Indus and Gandhara civilizations, making Pakistan an attractive destination for spiritual exploration and cultural discovery.
Highlighting the need to further boost tourism in the country for economic uplift, Zardari said that tourism is a significant source of revenue, and to maximize its potential, the country would prioritize the development of roads and tourism infrastructure.
“Enhancing essential facilities for tourists will encourage and motivate them to explore our landscape and religious sites. By creating a more accessible and welcoming environment, Pakistan can attract more tourists which would greatly contribute towards improving the national economy,” he said.
The president also reaffirmed the commitment to making Pakistan a global hub for tourism, where tourists from all over the world can experience not just enchanting landscapes and historical and religious sites but also the warm hospitality of local people. ■