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TDCP & STFP to Promote | Eco-Based Tourism In Punjab

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LAHORE: On 17th December 2020, Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan (STFP) and Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create and maintain an effective working partnership between the two organizations for the promotion of Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism in the province of Punjab through various joint initiatives.

Under this collaboration efforts will be made to develop the capacity of local communities and concerned stakeholders to promote ecotourism at selected hot spots of nature base tourism in the province of Punjab. President of STFP, Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana and Managing Director or TDCP, Mr. Muhammad Tanveer Jabbar signed the MoU in the presence of senior officers at the Head Office of TDCP. On this occasion, Mr. Rana also gave a presentation to the senior management of TDCP about the concept of Ecotourism and its potential along river Indus.

STFP has been working in various areas of Pakistan to promote eco-tourism. The organization in collaboration with USAID worked for safety of endangered blind Dolphin in Indus River. The TDCP managing director said that under this MoU, tourist points would be made more eco-friendly.

Hashoo Group to launch PC LEGACY Hotel in Naran soon

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Hashoo Group collaborates with SNQ Resorts (Pvt) Limited to boost adventure travel and promote tourism in the valley 

Islamabad, Monday, 30th November 2020 – For Immediate Release

The latest addition to their leading chain of hotels across Pakistan, Hashoo Group has announced to launch a new brand of four-star hotels by the name of “PC Legacy”.

Hashoo Group is the leading chain of hotels, which already owns and operates the five-star Pearl-Continental Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels, and the select-service Hotel One brand in Pakistan.

SNQ Resorts (Pvt) Limited is a new entrant in the market, which will work towards developing tourism in the northern parts of Pakistan.

In this connection, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Pakistan Services Limited and SNQ Resorts (Pvt) Limited in Crystal Ballroom at Islamabad Marriott.

“PC Legacy is our new brand of four-star hotels and I congratulate SNQ Resorts (Pvt) Ltd for becoming the first signers of this franchise. We, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision to promote tourism in Pakistan, are delighted to manage this prestigious hotel” expressed Mr. Murtaza Hashwani, Hashoo Group Deputy Chairman and CEO, at the MoU signing ceremony. 

SNQ Resorts (Pvt) Limited CEO Mr. Syed Kaiser Mehmood Shah said: “We are proud to collaborate with Hashoo Group for developing a new space for tourism by providing contemporary architecture and modern travel facilities in Naran.”

Nestled amid the majestic Himalayan Mountains, Naran is surrounded by the dense Alpine forest, capturing stunning views of the lush green valley attracting tourists and adventure enthusiasts from around the world.

Designed for both business and leisure travellers, PC Legacy Hotel Naran will offer a host of modern amenities to all guests. At the hotel, they can choose from a combination of 70 rooms and suites for their stay, dine at the in-house restaurants, utilise elegant event spaces, and avail gym and wellness services as well as kids’ recreational facilities in the hotel.

Located in the upper Kaghan valley of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Naran is about 280 kilometres away from Islamabad. A highly popular tourist destination, it attracts scores of tourists to explore its radiant beauty and experience prominent tourist attractions in the vicinity such as the enchanted Saiful Malook Lake, Shogran, Babusar Top, and Siri Paye Meadows.

—ENDS—- 

NUST Organises | Webinar On ‘Pakistan’s Tourism Potential’

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ISLAMABAD: The NUST Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS) organized a webinar on “Pakistan’s Tourism Potential,” at Islamabad campus on November 24,2020. The event brought to the fore the crucial propellers of strength and harmony in the tourism sector of Pakistan. A distinctive factor was the pursuit of discovering connections of our local approaches and experiences with the world-class Turkish ideals of tourism advancement.

The keynote addresses were delivered by two eminent personalities – Mr Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Human Resource Development, and Chairman National Tourism Coordination Board; and His Excellency İhsan Mustafa Yurdakul, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Pakistan. The event was chaired by Lt Gen Naweed Zaman, HI (M), (Retd), Rector NUST & Patron NIPS, and was moderated by Mr. Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana, President Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan. The speakers included Mr. Kamran Lashari, Director-General Walled City of Lahore Authority, and Mr. Ali Naqi Hamdani, Director at Landmark Pakistan.

In his welcome remarks, Rector NUST said that in the contemporary world, tourism forms an essential component both of national and regional growth and development frameworks. He was of the view that although COVID-19 has hit global tourism, it is heartening to see the Government taking keen interest in tapping the potential of the industry. He also highlighted NUST’s contribution in promoting educational tourism under its flagship NUST Internship Programme for International Students (NIPIS).

Sayed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari said that the development of tourism industry is one of the top priorities of the Government. He added that concerted efforts are being made to showcase Pakistan as the land of peace and splendour. Fresh initiatives, such as the launch of “Brand Pakistan,” consist of brand identity development and an e-portal for a one-click overview of our tourist sites. He also elaborated upon his plans in this regard. He extended gratitude to the Pakistani diaspora for their valued contribution in this regard.

H.E. İhsan Mustafa Yurdakul highlighted the value of Pakistan-Turkey unconditional support for each other, which, he maintained, provided a perfect case for the improvement of tourism-based interaction between the two friendly countries. Mr Kamran Lashari laid emphasis on preserving the cultural heritage of Pakistan along with the values of tolerance and open-mindedness, and on promoting tourism by packaging and presenting this treasure to the world. Mr Ali Naqi Hamdani spoke on the role of digital media in tourism in Pakistan. He posited that to promote tourism it will be pertinent to support industries and provide vital segments of economy with strong local and global linkages.

Mr. Uxi Mufti, Mr. Jamal Shah, Madam Midhat Shahzad, Dr. Nadeem Omar, Ms. Sadaf Khalid, Brig. Amir Yaqub, Mr. Tayyab Syed, Mr. Azmat Awan, Khawaja Jehanzeb, Mr. Mohsin Paracha, Mr. Khawaja Imran, Mr. Muhammad Umar, Mr. Tahir Imran, Dr. Nadeem and number of other key stakeholders from tourism and hospitality sector, media, culture and heritage and academia also participated in this webinar and shared their ideas and recommendations for the development and promotion of tourism in Pakistan.  NUST Institute of Policy Studies will compile all the recommendations and share it with NTCB for incorporation in the draft of National Tourism Strategy.

1,040 Houbara Bustards | Abu Dhabi & Pakistan to Release in Punjab

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LAHORE: The Government of Pakistan and the government of Abu Dhabi as per the contract have decided to release 1,040 Houbara Bustards into the wild in order to increase the current population of the species in Pakistan.

The birds are imported from Abu Dhabi will be released in the district of Bahawalpur.

According to the Wildlife Protection Department, the first batch of 500 birds reached Pakistan Thursday, March 1. The birds will be transported to Bahawalpur’s Lal Suhanra National Park on Friday, March 2.

The spokesman of Wildlife Protection Department said it will ensure the protection of the released birds. The department’s higher officials said Houbaras are released at the Lal Suhanra National Park each year.

The department assured that the contract to release the birds is not associated with the hunting of the rare and precious bird found in certain parts of Pakistan.

Earlier in February this year, the Punjab Government told the Lahore High Court that the houbara bustard had been removed from the list of protected birds.

The Wildlife Department’s report cited a survey conducted in December that indicated a substantial increase in the bird’s population.

Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah heard other petitions that challenged the hunting permits issued to members of the Qatari royal family. Shah expressed his concern over the government’s decision to remove the houbara from the list of protected birds. He inquired about the chosen criteria for the survey to gather data about the bird’s population.

The houbara bustard is a rare bird breed, which equals the size of a chicken. Its meat is considered an aphrodisiac. Thousands of houbaras migrate from Central Asia to Pakistan during winters each year.

Islamabad City Tour PTDC to Start Tourist Bus Service

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RAWALPINDI: Ch. Abdul Ghafoor Khan, Managing Director, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) told while talking to media that City tour of Islamabad consisting nine (9) modern buses is ready for launch. This project has been started by PTDC for the promotion of tourism. Initially, this service has been started in Islamabad. He further said that the inauguration of this bus service will be held at Pak-China Center, Islamabad. The route of the bus includes Lok Virsa Muesum Shakar Pariyan, National Monument, Lake View Park Daman-e Koh and Fasail Mosque. In this connection, meetings were held with representatives of the different Schools and Colleges who appreciated the launch of the service and assured that students in large numbers will take benefits from this service.

 

Ch. Abdul Ghaffor further said that our new generation will be introduced about national heritage and understanding about tourism will also be developed among them. The students of schools and colleges will realize importance of tourism by participating in such activities. This will add to their leadership capabilities and to face difficult situation. They will also enjoy the leisure activities. PTDC has also started Pakistan Tourism Friends Club. Members of this club shall benefit from transport facilities and discounted rates.