In a significant achievement, Pakistan Pavilion has won the “Best In-Show - International Tourism Development” Award at Travel and Adventure Show, 2024 held in New York.

The event, spanning January 27 to 28, 2024, has drawn over 550 leading destinations, tour companies, cruise lines, and travel providers worldwide, with participation from nearly 190 countries.

The inauguration of the Pakistan Pavilion, orchestrated by Masood Khan, Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States, marked the collaboration of key entities, including the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pakistan’s Consulate General in New York, and private sector companies.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of Minister of Tourism Gilgit Baltistan, Mr. Ghulam Muhammad, former Minister for Tourism Gilgit Baltistan, Mr. Raja Nasir Ali Khan, and Consul General of Pakistan in New York, Mr. Aamer Ahmed Atozai.

A 60-member delegation, comprising representatives from PTDC, TDAP, and 24 private sector companies, is actively representing Pakistan at the Travel and Adventure Show. The Pavilion showcases Pakistan's diverse tourism potential, featuring live performances by Pakistani artisans specializing in lacquer woodwork and traditional doll making.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Masood Khan expressed pride in Pakistan Pavilion's recognition as the "Best in Show" at the International Travel and Adventure Show. He said the world's growing interest in Pakistan's tourism market, particularly in adventure and eco-tourism.

Highlighting Pakistan's cultural richness, Ambassador Masood Khan invited participants to explore the timeless beauty of Pakistan's ancient civilizations and natural wonders, encouraging them to be ambassadors of Pakistan's beauty worldwide.

In a congratulatory message, State Minister for Tourism and Chairman PTDC Wasi Shah commended the organizers for showcasing all regions of Pakistan at the Pavilion. He anticipated that these efforts would significantly contribute to attracting more foreign visitors, enhancing the country's tourism potential, and improving Pakistan's image globally.

Pakistan’s Consul General in New York Aamer Ahmad Atozai expressed optimism that the country's participation in the event would attract potential tourists. He emphasized the role of such events in promoting Pakistan as a tourist destination.

In recent news, Pakistan received recognition as a top tourist destination by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with a remarkable 115% surge in foreign tourist arrivals and projections of international receipts reaching USD 1.3 billion by the end of 2023.

CEO and founder of the Travel and Adventure Show, Mr. John Golicz, acknowledged the remarkable delegation of tour operators and professionals from Pakistan while announcing the "Best In-Show" award for international tourism development.

The annual Travel & Adventure Show in New York serves as an ideal platform for interaction with visitors, providing exposure to top international and domestic travel destinations, tour operators, cruise lines, and travel providers.

As a gesture of hospitality, Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Aamer Ahmad Atozai, hosted a dinner in honor of the visiting Pakistani delegation. Ambassador Masood Khan, Minister of State for Tourism & Youth Affairs, GB Mr. Ghulam Muhammad, Minister for Planning, GB Mr. Raja Nasir, and other delegation members attended the event.

Ambassador Masood Khan emphasized the importance of highlighting the country's tourism potential and assured ongoing efforts to provide necessary facilities and infrastructure to incoming tourists, acknowledging the significant interest of U.S. tourists in various locations across Pakistan.