President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari has said that the Chamber is committed to promoted tourism in the region. Headed by Ahsan Zafar, a high level delegation of ICCI visited district Skardu of Gilgit-Baltistan to review the arrangements for the first ICC Tourism Summit 2023 scheduled for the promotion of tourism in the northern regions organized by the Islamabad Chamber in July. The delegation during the visit, met with the high officials of Gilgit Baltistan government, security agencies and administration officers. The delegation reviewed the arrangements for Tourism Summit 2023. It also made to visits to various tourist points and briefed about the business activities in the area.

Speaking in a meeting with the ICCI President, Provincial Tourism Minister Raja Nasir Ali Khan welcomed the activation of Islamabad Chamber for promotion of tourism in the. The Gilgit Baltistan government will provide full cooperation regarding the organization of the conference. He said that Islamabad Chamber should cooperate for the improvement of dry fruit industry in Gilgit-Baltistan. Due to lack of proper storage and supply system, dried fruits worth millions of rupees were lost every year. Investment is also needed in the hotel industry in Gilgit, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said, “I am grateful to the provincial government for its cooperation in organizing the summit. Islamabad Chamber is trying to promote tourism. The northern regions of Pakistan can become the central points for tourism in the region. We need to improve the infrastructure. Hoteling industry, roads and other facilities are necessary for the promotion of tourism, launching of international flights is indispensable in the promotion of tourism.”

The ICCI President said, “Government should develop Skardu airport as per international standards. He said that tourism is the most profitable industry in the world, unfortunately Pakistan is still far behind in this sector compared to its potential. We need branding of tourist destinations to attract foreign tourists. I hope the Summit will improve the soft image of Pakistan.” During the visit, Commandant Officer ASF Syed Yasin Shah, Station Commander Skardu, DIG Gilgit-Baltistan Flight Lieutenant (R) Farrukh Rashid and Assistant Commissioner Skardu also met the President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce.

The officers of the security agencies assured Ahsan Zafar that all the agencies will play their role as hosts for the summit. Fool-proof security will be provided to the guests coming to attend the summit. During the visit, the delegation was also visited other tourist places including Kachura Lake, Cold Desert, Shangri-La Fort, Deosai. The tour was organized by the Tourism Committee of ICCI.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP