Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan, Andreas Ferrarese called on Advisor to Prime Minister on Tourism and Sports, Awn Chaudhry and Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Aftab ur Rehman Rana to discuss the matters of mutual cooperation in the field of tourism.
Ambassador shared the experience of growing tourism industry in Italy focusing on sustainable tourism, security and the beautiful landscapes and heritage of Italy and the flow of international tourists that increased three times by 2019.
Awn Chaudhry apprised the Ambassador about the potential of tourism in Pakistan and the steps taken by the government including the improvement of infrastructure and security matters to facilitate both the local and international tourists.
He expressed that that government of Pakistan is fully committed to make tourism sector a main segment of national economy and employment generation.
Highlighting the potential areas of mutual cooperation, MD PTDC discussed the development of B2B linkages between the tour operators of Italy and Pakistan to increase flow of tourists from Italy to Pakistan, capacity building of Mountain Guides and Adventure Tour Guides by organizing training programs, exchange program for tourism professionals to learn from the best practices in tourism and hospitality sectors and support for Community Based Sustainable Ecotourism Projects and various tourism promotional activities through Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan, Andreas Ferrarese highly appreciated the efforts of government of Pakistan to promote tourism and also shared his views to further improve the facilitation for tourist from European countries.
He also assured full support and cooperation of Italian government to work with PTDC on the areas of cooperation highlighted in the presentation of MD PTDC. Awn Chaudhry thanked the Ambassador for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit PTDC Head Office and for extending his support for the sustainable development of tourism in Pakistan.
