Messages – SUSTAINABLE TOURISM FORUM

Year 2026

H.E. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister of Pakistan

With great pleasure, I would like to extend my best wishes for the successful convening of the Sustainable Tourism Forum & Expo and the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCI) in Karachi.

Such vibrant events surely provide an excellent platform to strengthen regional economic cooperation, promote intra-ECO trade, and further explore innovative avenues for sustainable tourism and investment across the ECO region.

Tourism is a robust driving force of national economic growth, leading to multiple job creation and cultural exchanges among the various countries. To make Pakistan a world-class tourism destination, it is essentially important to make more effective efforts to showcase our rich heritage, natural beauty, and cultural diversity. The Government of Pakistan is committed to promoting tourism by creating an enabling environment for investment, including small and medium enterprises in tourism and related industries.

The ECO region, with its vital strategic location and abundant resources, holds immense scope for enhanced regional integration and consequently greater potential for increased trade and investment in the region. The participation of representatives from the private business sector, respective national chambers of commerce and industries, and businessmen in such events will certainly foster mutually beneficial economic partnerships and collaborations.

Hopefully, such events will provide valuable insights, strengthen mutual economic linkages and cooperation, and pave the way for a more industrially inclusive ECO region.

Once again, I extend my best wishes to all participants and organizers for organizing this event and for attaining fruitful and meaningful outcomes during the deliberations.

H.E. Qaisar Ahmed Sheikh

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for the Board of Investment

It is my great pleasure and honor of Board of Investment to partner with Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Development 2^nd Sustainable Tourism Forum, a landmark global platform dedicated to shaping the future of tourism through sustainability, innovation, and strategic investment.

Tourism today stands at a defining moment. As one of the world’s most powerful engines for economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange, it also carries a profound responsibility to grow in a way that is inclusive, resilient, and environmentally responsible. This Forum reflects our shared commitment to transforming tourism into a force that delivers long-term value for communities, investors, and future generations alike.

The Sustainable Tourism Forum serves as a mega platform that brings together global leaders, policymakers, investors, developers, innovators, and industry experts to explore high-impact opportunities, foster cross-border partnerships, and unlock sustainable investment flows. It is designed not only to exchange ideas, but to convert dialogue into action linking vision with viable projects and meaningful collaboration.

The forum’s agenda is very aligned with the requirements of the stakeholders of all the countries whereby every session is providing tremendous opportunities for exploring the areas of collaborations and partnerships. As the Board of Investment, we firmly believe that sustainable tourism is a cornerstone of economic diversification and global cooperation. Through this Forum, we aim to promote investment-ready destinations, encourage public–private partnerships, and showcase policies and frameworks that enable responsible growth while protecting natural and cultural heritage.

I extend my sincere appreciation to Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Development, International partners, speakers, sponsors, and participants for their invaluable contribution to this important initiative. Your engagement reinforces our collective belief that sustainability and profitability can and must advance together, as the theme of the forum is transforming tourism for community development.

I wish you a productive and inspiring Forum and look forward to the partnerships and investments that will emerge from this global gathering.

Together, let us shape a sustainable future for tourism, one that creates opportunity, preserves our planet and connects the world.

H.E. Atif Ikram Sheikh

President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)

The Forum was jointly organized by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on 21–22 January 2026 in Karachi.

The Forum brought together policymakers, business leaders, tourism stakeholders, and development experts from across member countries to exchange valuable insights on promoting sustainable, inclusive, and responsible tourism. The active participation and constructive deliberations clearly demonstrated the growing recognition of tourism as a powerful driver of economic growth, cultural connectivity, and regional cooperation.

The discussions highlighted the immense potential of sustainable tourism in creating employment opportunities, encouraging investment, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting environmentally responsible practices. The event also provided an important platform for strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors and fostering partnerships among member countries.

FPCCI highly values its collaboration with ICCD in advancing shared economic objectives. We firmly believe that the joint efforts of FPCCI and ICCD will contribute significantly towards unlocking new tourism opportunities and creating a vibrant and flourishing tourism sector across our regions.

I congratulate ICCD and all participating stakeholders for making this Forum a remarkable success and express my confidence that the outcomes of this initiative will translate into practical cooperation and long-term development in the tourism industry.

H.E. Jam Kamal Khan

Minister of Commerce Government of Pakistan

Message from Honorable Jam Kamal Khan
Minister for Commerce, Government of Pakistan on the occasion of the 2nd Sustainable Tourism Forum
Karachi – Pakistan | January 2026

It gives me great pleasure to convey my warm felicitations to the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), and the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) for organizing the 2nd Sustainable Tourism Forum and Exhibition on 21–22 January 2026 under the theme “Transforming Tourism for Community Development.”

Tourism is a vital driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, contributing to employment generation, cultural exchange, and community upliftment. In this regard, the Government of Pakistan is fully committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices that not only preserve our natural and cultural heritage but also empower local communities and small enterprises.
This forum represents an important step towards strengthening cooperation among OIC Member States and global partners, facilitating investment opportunities, and sharing best practices for the sustainable development of the tourism sector.
I extend my best wishes for the success of the 2nd Sustainable Tourism Forum & Exhibition and look forward to the positive outcomes & partnerships that will emerge from this significant international gathering.

Year 2025

Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif

I commend the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) for organizing the International Forum on “Sustainable Tourism” in Karachi. This important initiative, in line with the decisions of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers and the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers, will help promote tourism, foster peace, harmony, and understanding among nations, and highlight the global significance of sustainable tourism. Tourism today is one of the most dynamic sectors driving economic growth and strengthening people-to-people connections. Around the world, it has helped remove misconceptions, build positive images, and create opportunities for inclusive development. Pakistan, with its breathtaking mountains, rivers, plains, and ancient civilizations such as Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Gandhara, has immense potential to develop tourism that not only celebrates our heritage but also supports livelihoods across even the most remote regions. The Government of Pakistan is committed to supporting the tourism sector through progressive reforms and entrepreneurial initiatives. Our new tourist-friendly visa regime, which allows visitors from 126 countries to obtain fast-track visas without a fee, reflects our dedication to making Pakistan more accessible to the world. This will open new avenues for socioeconomic growth and global engagement. I appreciate the collaborative efforts of FPCCI, ICCD, and the provincial governments in promoting diverse forms of tourism—recreational, adventure, cultural, heritage, religious, eco, and sports tourism—across all regions of the country. Let us join hands to project Pakistan as a premier global tourist destination, known for its warmth, hospitality, and resilience. Together, we can harness the power of sustainable tourism to create economic opportunities, strengthen cultural bonds, and build a peaceful and prosperous future for generations to come.

H.E. Yousef H. Khalawi

“Pakistan, endowed with a rich cultural heritage, abundant natural resources, and guided by visionary leadership, has made significant strides in sustainable tourism. This is reflected in its rankings in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2024 and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024, showcasing the country’s dedication to responsible tourism and environmental conservation. At ICCD, we are pleased to host the Sustainable Tourism Forum (STF) in Pakistan, which will serve as an international platform for sustainable tourism best practices across the Islamic world. This forum will bring together leaders, investors, and stakeholders from around the globe to promote sustainable tourism, foster economic growth, and empower local communities. As international tourism experienced significant growth in 2024, hitting USD 1.6 trillion, approximately 1.4 billion travelers journeyed abroad, reflecting an increase of 140 million additional international arrivals compared to 2023, STF aims to position Pakistan as a key destination for sustainable travel, opening new avenues for collaboration and investment across OIC countries. Together, we can shape a future where tourism becomes a powerful catalyst for prosperity, sustainability, and unity in the Islamic world, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow for our communities and the world at large.”

H.E. Hissein Brahim Taha

We are gathered in Karachi to inaugurate the Sustainable Tourism Forum. On behalf of the OIC, I extend sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Pakistan, and to FPCCI, for their warm hospitality and excellent organization. Pakistan’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and preserving its rich cultural heritage is highly commendable.The Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) continues to play a vital role in engaging the private sector for socio-economic growth across OIC member states. Strengthened public-private partnerships are essential to realizing the full potential of the OIC tourism market.Tourism remains a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange. It also promotes Islam’s values of tolerance, peace, and coexistence. Achieving sustainable tourism requires innovation, investment, and responsible practices, with active participation from the private sector.I invite all stakeholders to work together in transforming Pakistan into a premier global tourist destination. Wishing the Sustainable Tourism Forum 2025 great success.

H.E. Abdullah Saleh Kamel

President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) “Achieving economic growth in an environmentally responsible manner has always been a fundamental objective for the Islamic Chamber, especially in a world where sustainability shapes its future. In line with this mission, ICCD stands at the forefront of fostering sustainability to build a thriving tourism landscape that develops Islamic local communities, and to achieve this ambitious vision, we introduce the 1st edition of the annual Sustainable Tourism Forum. Over the past decade, Pakistan has made a remarkable leap in responsible tourism and sustainability, inspiring the Islamic Chamber to select it as the host for its Sustainable Tourism Forum, aiming to position it as “The Capital of Sustainable Tourism in the Islamic World” to emphasize Pakistan’s vast tourism potential, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources. At ICCD, we are dedicated to fostering economic development while preserving the environment for future generations and establishing a long-term global framework that opens new opportunities for collaboration and investment in Pakistan and across the Islamic nation”.

H.E.  Jam Kamal Khan

As the Commerce Minister of Pakistan, I am honored to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) for organizing the Sustainable Tourism Forum, scheduled for January 30-31, 2025 in Karachi. Tourism hold immense potential as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange and sustainable development. Our nation’s diverse landscape, rich heritage, and warm hospitality position us uniquely to attract visitors from around the globe. Recognizing it strategic importance, the Ministry of Commerce has established the Sectoral Council on Tourism. This initiative provides a structured platform for public-private engagement, ensuring a collaborative approach to promoting tourism as a key driver of economic growth. The Council will work closely with industry stakeholder to identify challenges propose policy recommendation, and develop strategic frameworks to enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global tourism market. Recent developments underscore the sector’ promise. Pakistan has improved it ranking in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index for 2024 reflecting the positive trajectory of our tourism sector. Tourism is not just about scenic landscapes and cultural heritage; it is a powerful economic tool that generates employment, attracts investment, and enhances Pakistan’s global image. By fostering better connectivity, facilitating ease of doing business and implementing targeted policy interventions, we aim to unlock the true potential of this sector.

I invite all stakeholders – both domestic and international – to join hands with us in this journey of transformation. Together, we can position Pakistan as a premier tourist destination, contributing to a more vibrant and prosperous economy. Wishing the Sustainable Tourism Forum 2025 a great success.

H.E Atif Ikram Sheikh

It gives me great pleasure that the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), in collaboration with FPCCI and the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), organized the “Sustainable Tourism Forum” in Karachi on 30–31 January 2025 under the theme “Transforming Tourism for Community Development.”The OIC region, being geographically vast and rich in natural, historical, and cultural resources, holds immense potential for tourism development. With its diverse landscapes, moderate climate, and deep-rooted traditions, the region can attract international and domestic tourists, fostering cultural exchange, friendship, and economic prosperity.Tourism plays a vital role in promoting understanding among nations, creating employment, and strengthening local economies. Sustainable tourism practices that ensure environmental protection, social responsibility, and community benefit are essential for long-term growth.The Forum was highly successful and attended by participants from several OIC and non-OIC countries, providing opportunities to enhance trade, investment, and employment, while improving Pakistan’s image as a global tourist destination.Pakistan, blessed with scenic beauty, four distinct seasons, ancient civilizations, and rich cultural heritage, continues to promote tourism through progressive visa facilitation and infrastructure development, including initiatives for religious tourism.As President of FPCCI, I emphasize the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to promote eco-tourism, cultural heritage preservation, and community-based tourism projects. Together, we can unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s tourism industry, strengthen the OIC tourism network, and build a brighter, more prosperous future for our communities.