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Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister Of The Islamic RepublicH.E. Mr. Jam Kamal Khan
Honorable Federal Commerce Minister of PakistanH.E. Hissein Brahim Taha
Secretary General, Organisation of IslamicH.E. Mr. Abdullah Saleh Kamel
President of the Islamic Chamber ofAtif Ikram Sheikh
President FPCCIH.E. Mr. Yousef H. Khalawi
Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD)I commend the efforts of 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 initiative is part of the decisions made in 48th and 11th Sessions of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers and Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers (ICTM) respectively. This timely initiative would promote tourism and foster global understanding for peace, harmony and empathy among nations and diverse cultures, highlighting the significance of Sustainable Tourism in today’s world.
Tourism has emerged as a dynamic sector fostering connection and understanding in an increasingly multicultural interconnected world. Nations around the globe have benefitted from tourism’s vast potential to expand people-to-people contacts, remove misconceptions and stereotypes and promote a positive image through social interaction, building relations and have stimulated inclusive economic growth.
Pakistan is blessed with scenic natural landscapes, verdant plains, sparkling rivers and streams, and breath-taking mountain ranges. Pakistan is home to ancient civilizations including Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa and Gandhara. All this provides us a great opportunity for the development of tourism and linking it with the livelihoods development at the grassroots level even in the remotest of areas of Pakistan. The significant potential of tourism to drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote peace through cultural exchange could be realized through our joint efforts. Our young generation in particular can playa key role in promoting tourism through innovative solutions and developing new business models.
I reassure the Government of Pakistan’s full support is promoting entrepreneurial initiatives in the tourism industry, which, with its dense backward linkages, supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals more than any other industry. I am pleased to share that we undertook major reform by adopting a tourist friendly visa regime under which tourists from 126 countries can obtain fast-track visas without a fee and in less time. I am confident that this decision will play a key role in the promotion of the tourism sector and open new avenues for socioeconomic development in Pakistan.
It is also a matter of great satisfaction that FPCCI, ICCD and Provincial Governments in coordination with the Federal Government are taking commendable initiatives for promoting recreation, adventure, religious, heritage, sports, eco, wildlife and cultural tourism in all regions of Pakistan. I extend my congratulations to the organizers and hope that this Forum will yield fruitful outcomes for Pakistan’s tourism industry.
Let us join hands and work jointly to promote Pakistan as a premier tourist destination by showcasing our warmth, hospitality, and resilience to the world. Together, we can unlock the full potential of sustainable tourism and create a brighter and peaceful future for our coming generations.
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. Mr. Yousef Hasan Khalawi, Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of
Commerce & Development (ICCD),
H.E Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of
Commerce & Industry (FPCCI),
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assalamu Aleykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.
We are gathered here today to officially open the Sustainable Tourism Forum, holding in this vibrant and historical metropolitan city of Karachi. On behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, for extending a cordial welcome and gracious hospitality to us since our arrival in this city. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Pakistani people and the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) for the excellent organization of this event, and their exceptional warm reception accorded to all the participants. Pakistan has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the development of sustainable Islamic tourism, investing in infrastructure, and showcasing its rich cultural heritage.
I take this opportunity to congratulate the ICCD, for its crucial role in mobilizing the Private Sector, towards promoting the socio-economic development of the OIC Member States. The strong linkage between the Private and Public sectors are important for combining resources, skills and knowledge in order to address common challenges within the OIC market.
Excellences,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This Forum is not just an opportunity to explore the potential of tourism in driving economic growth, but also serve as a platform to discuss how sustainable tourism can contribute to social equity, environmental protection, and long -term prosperity of our communities. The theme demonstrates the responsibility we all share to support our local businesses and ensure equal opportunities in generating a more resilient and inclusive tourism sector.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is common knowledge that tourism remains a foundational pillar of many OIC Member States’ economies. It serves as a crucial contributor to foreign exchange earnings and employment opportunities, and it is closely linked to the development of other sectors such as transport, crafts, services and infrastructure. In 2023, the international tourism sector contributed US$753.5 billion to the economy, accounting for 6.9% of the total GDP of the OIC countries as a group. The estimated number of jobs created by tourism in OIC countries in 2023 was 45.7 million, accounting for 6.8% of total employment.
According to the UN Tourism, an estimated 1.1 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded from January to September 2024, which was about 11% more compared to the same period of 2023. The international arrivals reached 98% of 2019 levels in January-September 2024. Meanwhile, the international tourism receipts have seen extraordinary growth following an already strong 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in most destinations.
In the same vein, we acknowledge the prominent role of tourism in promoting intercultural exchanges, preserving, and disseminating the Islamic historical and cultural heritage, fostering awareness and mutual understanding between civilizations, and spreading the image of Islam as a religion of tolerance, brotherhood, and peaceful coexistence with other religions.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to bring to your attention that all the Resolutions, Declarations and Programs pertaining to Tourism, as adopted by the Islamic Summit Conferences, the Council of Foreign Ministers, and the Islamic Conferences of Tourism Ministers, have consistently called for establishing and strengthening intra-OIC cooperation in the field of Tourism.
Moreover, the Twelfth Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers (ICTM), held in Khiva – Republic of Uzbekistan, on 31st May to 2nd June 2024, encouraged the OIC Member States to advocate and promote sustainable tourism development and improving tourism competitiveness through knowledge creation and exchange, human resources development, and promotion of excellence in tourism development. The Meeting also urged the Member States and OIC institutions to promote intra-OIC tourist flows, through visa facilitation, investment promotion, branding and standardization, and capacity building.
To achieve the agenda of sustainable tourism requires a clear implementation framework, adequate financing and investment in technology, infrastructure and human resources. In this context, I avail myself of this opportunity to urge the private sectors in this Forum to establish an integrated platform for a seamless coordination of tour operators within the OIC Member States. The private sector is an essential partner in building a sustainable tourism industry by investing in green technologies, supporting local economies, promoting responsible tourism and collaborate with other stakeholders. By undertaking innovative solutions and proactive engagements, the private sector can lead the way in shaping a more sustainable future for tourism.
Excellences,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate Pakistan, for the selection of Lahore, as the OIC City of Tourism for 2027, as announced at the 12th ICTM. I believe that the relevant authorities of Pakistan will prepare a rich Programme to celebrate Lahore as the OIC City of Tourism for 2027.
I would like to end my message with reiterating my heartfelt gratitude to all organizers for this important Tourism Forum.
Finally, I pray to Allah the Almighty, seeking His guidance and blessing to illuminate our paths and lead us toward the best for the Islamic Ummah.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Wassalamu Aleykum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatihu
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”.
It gave me immense pleasure that the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) in collaboration with FPCCI and the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation organized the “Sustainable Tourism Forum” in Karachi, Pakistan on 30th and 31st January 2025 under the theme of “Transforming Tourism for Community Development.
OIC region is the second largest region in the world; geographically vast and well endowed; having numerous natural attractions along with historical, cultural and religious places. The region has museums, customs, shrines, recreational and unique landscapes, moderate climate, architectures, traditional cultures, relatively high population, long history, wide-ranging and various medical facilities and services as well as mineral water resources, attracts foreigners and domestic tourists to enjoy convenient opportunities and utilize the occasions.
The development of tourism will contribute to the rapprochement of peoples, the strengthening of good neighborliness, as well as an increase in the income of the population, and will give impetus to the expansion of contacts between people. Local communities have a key role in tourism development, as they are crucial in providing good environmental conditions for tourists. We must develop sustainable tourism practices that prioritize environmental conservation, social responsibility, and economic benefits for local communities.
I am happy to see that the recent Sustainable Tourism Forum was very successful and well attended from the participants from Iran, Jordan, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, USA, Pakistan, UK, Indonesia, Singapore, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, South Africa etc. The event provided great opportunities for Pakistan and OIC countries to expand trade, investment, and employment opportunities and improve Pakistan’s soft image as a tourist destination. Since the 1970s, tourism has used as a tool for community development with an emphasis on economic development and lessening poverty; as a result, many developing countries have promoted and supported tourism projects in their national development plans.
Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world, which is blessed with diverse tourism attractions, four weathers, high mountains, deserts, vast delta plains, and sea. The country is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, locations with attractive scenic beauty, splendid mountains and peaks, sacred religious and historic places, seasonal varieties, unique arts and crafts, and rich culture and heritage.
For the promotion of tourism, the Government of Pakistan has announced visa facility for citizens from 120 countries who are eligible to apply for Visa Prior to Arrival under the Business category. Pakistan has extended an online visa facility to 192 countries that will enable the citizens of those countries to get visas at the airport without having to apply at the Pakistani embassies in their respective countries. Moreover, our government is very much keen for the promotion of religious tourism and started the development of infrastructure for religious tourism.
As the President of FPCCI, I emphasized the need for collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders to promote and sustainable tourism development. We must work together to promote eco-tourism, cultural heritage preservation, and community-based tourism projects. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s tourism industry, create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and highlight our rich cultural heritage to the world.
Let us join hands to make Pakistan a premier tourist destination for Islamic Countries by showcasing our culture, heritage, norms, hospitality etc. and contribute to the growth of the OIC tourism market. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for our communities.
“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.”
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