ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Nosherwan Khalil Khan, has formally called for comprehensive incentives and facilitation for the private sector to unlock the nation’s untapped tourism potential and double its contribution to Pakistan’s GDP. By fostering investment-friendly initiatives, the government could significantly elevate the current tourism contribution of 5.8 to 6 percent to the national economy.

Key Points

• RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan aims to double tourism’s contribution to national GDP through private sector incentives.
• The Tourism, Sports and Family Festival at the Pakistan Sports Complex highlights national cultural diversity and heritage.
• Pakistan attracted 97,500 international tourists in 2023, while Gilgit-Baltistan saw significant growth in 2024.
• Collaboration between the public and private sectors is deemed essential for economic growth and foreign exchange earnings.

Strategic Importance of Tourism Development

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Second Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival at the Pakistan Sports Complex, Nosherwan Khalil Khan stated that promoting domestic tourism is a prerequisite for attracting foreign investment. He emphasized that by improving infrastructure and providing targeted support, the country can better showcase its natural assets, including five of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 metres and diverse historical sites.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan. The festival serves as a platform to highlight traditional cuisine, handicrafts, and regional heritage from across all provinces, reinforcing the importance of modernizing economic sectors to meet global standards.

Evaluating Current Tourism Trends

Recent data indicates that while international arrivals remain below potential, regional interest is rising. In 2024, Gilgit-Baltistan recorded a substantial influx of 21,862 international and 486,571 domestic tourists. The RCCI delegation, which included Vice President Ikram Abbasi and Executive Committee members Khurram Aftab and Zaid Iqbal, toured various stalls to engage with artisans and business representatives.

As the country seeks to diversify its economic base, experts suggest that initiatives like the SMEConnect digital portal could further support local businesses integrated into the tourism supply chain. Through sustained government-private sector dialogue, the chamber remains optimistic about transforming tourism into a primary engine for employment and foreign exchange.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the RCCI President want to increase tourism incentives?

Nosherwan Khalil Khan believes that incentives will enable the private sector to develop necessary infrastructure, thereby doubling tourism’s current 6 percent contribution to Pakistan’s GDP.

What is the significance of the Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival?

The festival serves as a national platform to showcase cultural diversity, traditional handicrafts, and sports, while simultaneously promoting Pakistan’s diverse tourism potential to both domestic and international audiences.