April 8, 2025-Islamabad
During his bilateral visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization H.E. Dr. Asad M. Khan held a meeting with Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Cooperation (PTDC).
Dr. Khan emphasized the interconnectedness of trade, transport, and tourism. Calling ECO, a unique blend of countries with overlapping geography, cultures, and traditions, he called for strengthen people-to-people connections through easing visa regimes, increasing flights frequency, and marketing regional tourism destinations. He also mentioned the recently launched ECO Tourism Website and YouTube Channel.
The Managing Director briefed on PTDC’s efforts to establish minimum tourism standards and foster collaboration with ECO Member States. He underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration among tourism educational institutions.
The meeting also discussed the upcoming ECO Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Erzurum, where the city will be inaugurated as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2025. Both sides expressed their commitment to advancing tourism as a key driver of sustainable development and regional integration.
