KARACHI: The mention of travel, especially international, makes many nervous in these times of trouble and uncertainty, with air space in the region becoming very unpredictable.

But the three-day exhibition Pakistan Travel Mart 2026 (PTM 2026), under way at the Expo Centre Karachi, gives one the brighter picture.

All the six halls of the Expo Centre had something hopeful to offer. If Hall 1 was dedicated to talks, discussions and seminars, Hall 2 and 3 had plenty to offer in the hospitality industry with many hotels sharing information about their various packages and presence in different cities here.

Hall 3 also had trainee chefs from the College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM) displaying their culinary skills. On Tuesday their focus was on popular Arab dishes, well, specifically Saudi Arabian food such as Chicken Kabsa (a chicken and rice dish), Mutabbaq (also known as Arabi paratha), Shawarma platters and non-alcoholic champagne.

Pakistan Travel Mart 2026 concludes today

Saudi Arabia had a huge presence at PTM 2026 with many stalls offering information about Haj and Umrah packages, hotels and shuttle services, visas and tickets.

Halls 4 and 5 had much to offer and explore about East Asia, Southeast Asia and Central Asia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. They were all offering very attractive tourism opportunities and relaxing retreats. Who said it is not easy to visit China? You could find simplified travel guides to help one visit Pakistan’s “iron friend” with information about the required visas and documents for study, business or tourism opportunities.

Malaysia also lured visitors at the Malaysia Pavilion in Hall 4 with trade and tourism opportunities the highlight of which happened to be the traditional Malaysian dance performances adding vibrancy to the exhibition.

Finally, Hall 6 was labelled as the ‘Aviation District’ with many airlines, headed by the national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) showing who’s boss by attracting visitors through traditional dance performances of each province. Plus, there was information about PIA’s direct flights to Jeddah and Madinah, Dubai, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Paris, London, Manchester, etc.

With the private airlines such as Air Asia, Air Blue, Air Sial, Flyadeal and Jinnah also there along with some international carriers, it was a good opportunity to learn about the second flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Air. Known also as a niche carrier until now, Riyadh Air, according to its representative at PTM 2026, Ken Marshall, is going to start flights to and from Pakistan to Riyadh with further connections.

PTM 2026 concludes on Sunday.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2026