Economic Cooperation Organization countries have emphasized on enhancing cooperation in all forms of tourism for sustainable development and poverty alleviation.

A joint statement adopted at the special session of the General Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of ECO in Islamabad today (Wednesday) said that the member states must pool their resources to build the capacity of local communities through education and training of their population, especially in livelihoods connected to tourism.

It also stressed the need for promoting religious, cultural, and health tourism through enhanced connectivity and development of infrastructure and institutions in the tourist industry of all member states.

All member states also reiterated the importance of sustainable eco-tourism, which is both a powerful source of perpetual poverty alleviation as well as environmental conservation for coming generations.

The statement said elimination of terrorism is a key to ensuring security in our region which is vital to attract and develop our tourist industries.