Tourism plays vital role in strengthening national economy: Ayaz

Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that the tourism sector can play a vital role in strengthening the national economy, creating employment opportunities and projecting Pakistan's positive image across the world. He said, 'Pakistan possesses immense potential for tourism owing to its natural beauty, historical sites, cultural diversity and rich religious and civilisational heritage.' He expressed these views in his message on the occasion of World Tourism Day, observed every year on 27th September. The Speaker said that Pakistan's Northern areas, majestic mountain ranges, the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation and the Gandhara Civilisation are important tourism and cultural assets of the country. He said that Pakistan has vast opportunities for the development of tourism and that growth of the sector could not only contribute to the national economy but also create new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for local communities, youth and women. Ayaz Sadiq said that this year's theme for World Tourism Day is 'Tourism and the Digital Agenda for Redefining Tourism'. He said that the effective use of modern technology and artificial intelligence could make the promotion of tourist destinations, travel planning and provision of timely information and better services to tourists more effective. The Speaker said that provision of basic facilities at tourist destinations, improvement of infrastructure and communication networks were essential for promoting tourism. He emphasised that along with the development of tourist destinations, due attention must also be given to the protection of the natural environment, historical sites and cultural heritage. Ayaz Sadiq also stressed the need for effective cooperation among the federal and provincial governments, relevant institutions and the private sector for the promotion of tourism. He also added that tourists from across the world can experience Pakistan's natural beauty, historical sites, cultural diversity and traditional hospitality, saying that Pakistan warmly welcomes visitors from around the world with its renowned tradition of hospitality. Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, in his message on the occasion, said that Pakistan's beautiful tourist destinations, diverse cultural heritage and historically significant sites were national assets. He said that the promotion of tourism could help create new employment opportunities in remote and less-developed areas, strengthen local economies and enhance economic activity among local communities. Mustafa Shah said that along with provision of basic facilities and improvement of infrastructure at tourist destinations, special attention must also be given to environmental protection and preservation of historical and cultural heritage. He emphasised that effective participation of local communities, relevant institutions and the private sector was essential for promoting sustainable tourism. Brisbane Lions complete stunning comeback to seal historic three-peat