KARACHI: Vice President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Shaikh Sultan Rehman has emphasized on the need of the promotion of tourism among the member countries as ECO Region is one of the world's richest in terms of historical and cultural heritage and echoes memories of the ancient Silk Road.

Speaking at Specialized Committee Meeting of Tourism of ECO Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ECO-CCI) held via video link and attended by representatives of the Chambers of Commerce & Industry of member countries including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and ECO Secretariat, he said that despite various activities and events on tourism, the ECO Region still lacks a comprehensive regional strategy for sustainable tourism development.

He added that to utilize the great potential of the region, diversification and easement of tourism activities, availability of quality services and visibility of the area is a necessary requirement.

He also highlighted the measures taken by Pakistani Government for the promotion of tourism and visit of British royal couple Prince William and Kate Middleton, the maiden visit of the Buddhist Monks, and visit of thousands of Sikh pilgrims to Nankana Sahib birthplace through Kartarpur Corridor on his 550th anniversary attracted the international media attention.

Convener of the Specialized Committee on Tourism of ECO-CCI (Pakistan Chapter) Sohail Lashari informed the participants about the impact of Covid-19 on tourism industry which caused losses to $300 billion globally in terms of cancellation of hotel booking, closing of restaurants, disruption of air flights and others. Covid-19, not only suspended the international tourism, it also affected the domestic tourism.

Ismail Suttar, member of Specialized Committee also shared the tourism prospects and hoped that the tourism activities will be resumed after removal of pandemic.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020