Pakistan Wins “Best in-Show” International Tourism Development Award in NY
By Elaine Pasquini
Washington: “The world is taking keen interest in the tourism market of Pakistan,” Ambassador Masood Khan said after his country won the “Best in-Show” International Tourism Development Award at the Travel and Adventure Show 2024 held in New York City January 27 & 28. Tour companies, cruise lines, and travel providers from over 550 of the top destinations participated in the exhibition, representing nearly 190 countries.
The Pakistan Pavilion was set up in collaboration with the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and Pakistan’s Consulate General in New York, along with private sector companies. Ghulam Muhammad, Minister of Tourism for Gilgit Baltistan; Raja Nasir Ali Khan, former Minister for Tourism for Gilgit Baltistan; and Consul General of Pakistan in New York Aamer Ahmed Atozai were present during the inauguration of the Pakistan Pavilion by Masood Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States.
A delegation of 60 members, including representatives of PTDC, TDAP, and 24 private sector companies, represented Pakistan at the Travel and Adventure Show, which showcased Pakistan’s diverse tourism potential. The exhibition featured live presentations by Pakistani artisans specializing in lacquer woodworking and traditional doll-making.
“The Travel and Adventure Show is a fantastic show, and many countries and tour operators are present here,” Ambassador Khan said. “It’s a matter of pride for us that the Pakistan Pavilion has been awarded the Best in-Show.”
“Pakistan has the most beautiful and undiscovered touristic sites with huge untapped tourism potential,” he continued. Adventure and ecotourism are also getting particular attention this year.
In 118 exhibitions over 19 years, the Travel and Adventure Show, held annually in New York City, has connected over 2.5 million travel enthusiasts, some 15,000 travel advisors, and thousands of travel media with over 4,500 different exhibiting companies from around the world, influencing more than $6 billion in travel bookings. The show is an ideal platform for interaction with visitors to top international and domestic travel destinations, tour operators, cruise lines, and travel providers.
Highlighting the huge potential for tourism in Pakistan, Ambassador Khan invited participants to visit Pakistan and experience firsthand the timeless beauty of the country’s ancient civilizations and natural wonders, from snow-capped peaks to pristine coastal areas.
“Pakistan’s cultural richness beckons our Pakistan community worldwide,” he said. “Be a patron of your motherland’s beauty and invest in the thriving tourism sector. Together, let’s showcase Pakistan to the world.”
In his message on this special occasion, Wasi Shah, State Minister for Tourism and Chairman of PTDC, congratulated the organizers for the arrangements and inclusion of all regions of Pakistan in the Pavilion and expressed hope these efforts will greatly contribute to attracting more foreign visitors to Pakistan.
Speaking to reporters, Aamar Ahmed Atozai, Pakistan’s Consul General for New York, also echoed the sentiment that participation in the event would attract potential tourists to Pakistan.
In a recent development, Pakistan was recognized as a top tourist destination by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
While announcing the “Best in-Show” award for Pakistan in international tourism development, John Golicz, CEO and founder of the Travel and Adventure Show, acknowledged the incredible delegation of tour operators and professionals from Pakistan.
At the end of the first day of the show, Aamer Ahmed Atozai, Consul General of Pakistan in New York, hosted a dinner in honor of the visiting Pakistani delegation. Guests included Ambassador Masood Khan; Ghulam Muhammad, Minister of Tourism for Gilgit Baltistan; and Raja Nasir Ali Khan, former Minister for Tourism for Gilgit Baltistan who is now Minister for Planning and Development for Gilgit Baltistan; and other members of the delegation.
Ambassador Khan underscored the need to highlight the tourism potential of the country and said that efforts were afoot to provide all needed facilities and infrastructure to incoming tourists. He also highlighted the great interest of US tourists annually visiting various places in the country.
(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)
