By Nadeem Abbas
LAHORE:A highly successful Tajik-Pakistan Roadshow was recently held at the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Islamabad, drawing significant attention from Pakistan’s tourism industry. The event saw the participation of the Deputy Chairman of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), alongside 150 representatives from Pakistan’s tourism sector, including leadership from nearly 70 travel companies, tour operators, aviation firms, and local media. Diplomatic staff from Central Asian embassies also graced the occasion.
The Roadshow served as a platform for showcasing Tajikistan’s rich tourism potential. Attendees were treated to presentations that highlighted the diverse travel experiences available in Tajikistan. The national airline, Somon Air, featured prominently, with detailed information provided about flight bookings on the Dushanbe-Islamabad route. The audience was also captivated by new promotional videos offering a glimpse into the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of Tajikistan.
This event was part of a broader initiative led by a high-level Tajik delegation, spearheaded by the General Director of LLC “Somon Travel, Umedjon Saidov” who conducted a successful working visit to Pakistan from 8 to 15 August 2024. The visit aimed to explore and expand opportunities within the tourism sector, fostering closer ties between the two nations.
During their visit, the Tajik delegation engaged in fruitful discussions with key figures from both the central and regional tourism organisations in Pakistan. A particularly noteworthy meeting was held with Mr Aftab ur-Rehman Rana, Managing Director of the PTDC. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including tourism development, joint ventures, mutual information tours for travel companies, bloggers, and media representatives, as well as training courses on hospitality and tourism services.
The visit also coincided with a major announcement by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, adding Tajikistan to the list of 126 countries eligible for a single-line visa-free regime. This policy shift is expected to significantly boost travel and tourism cooperation between the two nations.
The event concluded on a positive note, with participants receiving souvenirs, brochures, and catalogues that further detailed the attractions of Tajikistan. Importantly, ten Memorandums of Cooperation were signed with Pakistani travel companies, solidifying future collaboration. Additionally, these companies were invited to participate in a tourism forum in Tajikistan, scheduled for late September 2024.
In conclusion, this visit and the accompanying Roadshow represent a major step forward in strengthening Tajik-Pakistani relations in the tourism sector.
