ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Chamber of Commerce (ICCI) delegation on Tuesday visited Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) in order to assess preparation for the first ICC Tourism Summit 2023, which is scheduled to promote tourism in the northern areas.
According to a news release, the delegation, which was led by ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, met with GB government officials, security agencies, and the administrative office. They also visited several tourist points and were briefed on the area’s business sector. The first ICC Tourism Summit 2023 was organized by Islamabad Chamber which is scheduled to be held in July this year.
Provincial Minister of Tourism, Raja Nasir Ali Khan welcomed Islamabad Chamber to promote tourism in the region, saying that the GB government will provide all cooperation for the event. He added that the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce should work together to strengthen the dry fruit industry in GB, as dried fruit worth millions of dollars are lost each year owing to a lack of efficient storage and supply systems. He argued that the GB hotel industry also needs investment.
President ICCI praised the provincial government for its help in organizing the summit and said that the Chamber is working to promote tourism in the region. He believes that Pakistan’s northern regions have the potential to become regional tourism centers, but that infrastructure needs to be improved. He said the hotel industry, roads, and other facilities are required for tourism promotion.
International Flights Essential for Promoting Tourism
The launch of international flights is essential for the promotion of tourism. He said the government should build Skardu airport to international standards and that tourism is the most profitable industry in the world; however, Pakistan is still lagging behind in this sector in comparison to its potential. He further said that to attract foreign tourists, they need to brand destinations for tourists, and expect that the Summit would boost Pakistan’s soft image.
During the visit, the President ICCI was greeted by Station Commander Skardu, DIG Gilgit-Baltistan Flight Lieutenant (Rtd) Farrukh Rashid, Commandant Officer ASF Syed Yasin Shah, and Assistant Commissioner Skardu. The President was also met by Station Commander Skardu, DIG Gilgit-Baltistan Flight Lieutenant (r) Farrukh Rashid, Commandant Officer ASF Syed Yasin Shah, and Assistant Commissioner Skardu.
The officers of the security agencies informed him that all of the agencies would perform their roles as summit hosts and that the visitors attending the summit would be secure. During their visit, the delegation also went to Kachura Lake, Cold Desert, Shangri-La Fort, and Deosai, among other tourist attractions.
