ISLAMABAD, July 12: The government is considering to reduce taxes on hotel industry to promote this sector and help them overcome their problems.

This was stated by the Federal Minister for Tourism, Col S.K. Tressler (retired), while inaugurating a local hotel at Club Road on Friday.

The minister said hotel industry could play an important role in the promotion of tourism and this hotel was a good addition since it was equipped with modern facilities and would attract both local and foreign tourists.

The government was keen to promote tourism because it would help generate job opportunities and also earn foreign exchange, both earnestly needed.

The minister urged the private sector to come forward and invest in tourism related sectors so as to provide modern facilities of lodging and boarding to tourists in various parts of the country.

Pakistan had great tourism potential which needed to be developed and the objective could be achieved through the cooperation of private sector.

AGENCY ADDS: A number of welfare projects have been initiated for the growth and prosperity of the minorities in Pakistan.

Col Tressler said this while talking to 18-member delegation of Presbyterian church of Pakistan on Friday.

He told the delegation that the government had taken three major steps for minorities’s welfare; joint electorate, ban on sale of minority community’s property and return of Christian schools to their owners.

The minister added the government was spending a huge amount on minorities welfare schemes such as dispensaries, wells, repair of places of worship and graveyards as well as financial assistance for students.

The delegation was led by Dr Ajmal, who appreciated the welfare measures for minorities and assured their full cooperation for national progress.