LAHORE: Preparations for the Magnificent Punjab Tourism and Investment Expo 2026, being held for the first time in the province’s history, have entered the final stage.

Organised by the Punjab Tourism Department, the two-day expo will take place on April 28 and 29 at the Expo Centre, bringing together tourism, culture, and investment on a single platform.

A large number of local and international investors, tourism stakeholders, and representatives from allied sectors are expected to participate.

During the expo, several new tourism projects will be formally launched. Key highlights include the introduction of the Magnificent Punjab App, development of modern resorts, and initiatives to enhance tourism infrastructure. Projects focusing on the promotion of water sports at Kallar Kahar and Dharabi Lake, as well as the establishment of treehouses in Patriata, will also be showcased.

Additionally, new development projects worth billions of rupees will be announced for major tourist destinations including Chakwal and Kotli Sattian. Restoration initiatives for historic forts such as Darawar and Jamgarh will also be introduced.

Measures including the establishment of the Punjab Tourism Force and the provision of modern tourist facilities will form an integral part of the event.

The expo will also feature plans to establish new museums and upgrade existing ones by the Department of Archaeology. For the first time, the Punjab Tourism Excellence Awards will be presented as part of the event.

The first day will conclude with an awards ceremony followed by a cultural programme, where renowned artists will showcase the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. On the second day, expert discussions will be held to link tourism destinations with investment opportunities.

These sessions will cover key areas including tourism development, religious tourism, adventure tourism, and the hospitality sector. The discussions will aim to formulate a comprehensive strategy to position Punjab prominently on the global tourism map.

According to a spokesperson, under the vision of the Punjab chief minister and the directions of the senior provincial minister, the government was actively promoting public-private partnerships to unlock new investment opportunities in the tourism sector.

The Magnificent Punjab Tourism and Investment Expo 2026 was expected to serve as a significant step towards strengthening the province’s tourism ecosystem, he added.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2026