Zulfi for engaging celebrities to promote tourism sector

ISLAMABAD, April 10 (APP):Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari Wednesday said he wanted to engage Pakistani celebrities including television stars and sportsman to promote the country’s multi-faceted tourism abroad.
He expressed these views in an event organized by Pakistan Tourism Dialogue (PTD) to bring together local blogger and V-loggers, a press release said.

“Our celebrities have to become tourism ambassadors to bring international tourists to Pakistan,” Zulfikar Bukhari remarked.

The special assistant, who also holds the portfolio of National Tourism Coordination Board (NTCB) chairman, expressing his views about the tourism potential highlighted the role of celebrities to boost foreign tourists’ influx into Pakistan.

Bukhari underscored the importance of adopting holistic approach to brand Pakistan as one of the finest tourist destinations in the world. “The provincial governments are onboard, tourist attractions are being identified, now is the time to act.”

“Our artists and players can do wonders in this regard by making appeals to their friends and fans outside and within Pakistan,” he added.

From Taxila, Punjab to Kund Malir in Balochistan, there were thousands of tourist avenues which could increase religious, cultural and adventure tourism activities in the country.

“We have a rich history and cultural heritage that has never been given international exposure”. We have the product, we just have to make a sales pitch, he said.

Bukhari expressed his pleasure over PTD’s effort to bring together the bloggers and v-loggers at one place. Terming those online review writers the country’s asset, he said the government would extend every possible support to them to reduce travel barriers.

In this regard, Bukhari said the abolishment of NOC for foreign tourists issued by the government of Pakistan was an attempt to give unrestricted access to international adventurists.

Hamza Ali Abbasi, a renowned Pakistani actor, said the country was witnessing a change since the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government held the reins of country.

He suggested Cessna flights, a small private plane with six-seat capacity, should be allowed from Lahore and Islamabad airports to ensure uninterrupted access to the adventurous sites possessed by Pakistan.

On the occasion, Muhammad Hafeez, a national cricketer, said the country was blessed with the most scenic places in the world and it was a pleasure to see the newly appointed NTCB chairman was much active and passionate about his new assignment.