The Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Development (ICCD) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), in collaboration with the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), are set to host the Sustainable Tourism Forum (STF) on January 30–31, 2025, in Karachi. The announcement was made by Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of FPCCI and Vice President of the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry (CACCI).
Event Alignment with Global and Regional Goals
President FPCCI Mr. Atif Sheikh highlighted that the forum is aligned with resolutions from the 48th and 11th sessions of the Islamic Councils of Foreign Ministries held in Islamabad (March 2022) and Baku (June 2022). These sessions underscored the importance of sustainable tourism as a vehicle for economic growth and cross-border collaboration among the OIC member states.
Objectives of the Forum
The Sustainable Tourism Forum aims to:
- Position Pakistan as a Premier Tourism Hub: Establish Pakistan as a sustainable tourism destination within the OIC countries.
- Raise Awareness: Promote the concept of sustainable tourism and its benefits.
- Foster Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between public and private sectors in developing the tourism industry.
- Showcase Opportunities: Highlight Pakistan’s unique tourism destinations and investment prospects, with a focus on sustainability.
- Integrate Financial Support: Showcase the role of banking and financial institutions in enabling successful tourism ventures.
Growing Role of the Private Sector
Mr. Sheikh emphasized the increasing involvement of the private sector in the OIC bloc, which consists of 57 member states. He noted the forum’s critical role in facilitating market access and expanding business operations across continents, particularly within the Islamic world.
Attendance and Participants
The forum is expected to attract a wide array of participants, including:
- Senior business leaders.
- Chambers of commerce from OIC countries.
- Travel and tourism experts.
- Investors and over 100 foreign delegates and exhibitors from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Türkiye, Malaysia, Indonesia, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, and others.
Importance of Tourism Industry
According to global tourism statistics shared by Mr. Sheikh, the tourism industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. By 2024, the industry is projected to reach over 1.5 billion tourists worldwide, generating $11.1 trillion in economic activity and ranking as the third-largest industry globally.
Opportunities for Pakistan
The Sustainable Tourism Forum 2025 will open new avenues for Pakistan, leveraging the ongoing global tourism boom. It will provide a platform to display Pakistan’s tourism potential and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) while fostering synergies among participating nations.
Strategic Outcomes
- Promotion of Sustainable Tourism: Establish Pakistan as a model destination for sustainable tourism.
- Economic Growth: Unlock opportunities for public and private sectors in Pakistan.
- Regional Collaboration: Strengthen ties with OIC countries through collaborative tourism ventures.
- Attraction of FDI: Encourage investment in Pakistan’s tourism infrastructure.
In conclusion, the Sustainable Tourism Forum 2025 represents a significant step in advancing Pakistan’s tourism sector and solidifying its status as a sustainable tourism hub. This event promises to deliver long-term benefits not only for Pakistan but also for all participating countries, fostering mutual growth and collaboration.
