ISLAMABAD, July 22: Pakistan has a lot of potential for natural, religious and historical tourism which needs to be projected and marketed properly to attract tourists, and the government has declared the year 2006 as “Visit to Pakistan Year” with this end in view. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said this while reviewing a presentation on promotion of tourism at the Prime Minister’s House here on Friday.

Minister for Tourism Dr Said G.G. Jamal, Minister of State for Tourism Sumera Malik and PIA Chairman Tariq Kirmani besides the representatives of hotel industry and tour operators attended the meeting.

The prime minister said the government, the private sector and the airlines were the three important stakeholders, which could bring a quantum leap in tourism.

He said Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and its offices around the world could help promote and project the special packages for various sites in Pakistan by collaborating with tour operators and hotel industry.

Shaukat Aziz said the government would play the role of a facilitator and enabler, while the private sector would play a lead role in promoting tourism.

The prime minister said the government would simplify the visa issuance procedure, reduce air fares and provide transportation for hassle-free visit to different sites in the country.

Identifying some of areas that could be exploited for tourism, the prime minister said Pakistan being a centre of Gandhara civilization could also attract Buddhist tourists.

Similarly, Moenjodaro and Harappa are attractive tourist destinations. Likewise, the Northern Areas hold three of the highest mountain ranges which can attract trekkers. The Lahore and Taxila Museums, he said, housed one of the finest collections of artifacts and directed that these should be made world class museums.

Mr Aziz called for a focused approach, innovative strategy and proper follow-up to put Pakistan on the tourism map of the world.

He underlined the need for a closer collaboration with the private sector to achieve the desired results. He also assured all out support of the government to the Ministry of Tourism to promote tourism.