KARACHI: Tourism Day is being observed today, and due to the specter of pandemic that hovers all over the globe, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has designated 27th of Sept 2021 as a day to focus on Tourism for Inclusive Growth.

World Tourism Day is observed every year on 27th of September in order to mark the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970, paving the way for the establishment of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Secretary General of the UNWTO Zurab Pololikashvili stated: “By celebrating this day, we state our commitment that, as tourism grows, the benefits that come will be felt at every level of our broad and diverse sector, from the biggest airline to the smallest family business.”

United Nations’ agency UNWTO attempts to promote sustainable and universally accessible tourism. UN Secretary General António Guterres speaking on the occasion held: “On World Tourism Day, we recognise the power and potential of tourism to advance prosperity and drive inclusive sustainable development.” President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi in his message on the World Tourism Day noted that tourism in Pakistan had great potential to boost economy as well as improve the economic health of small business operators and the people attached with the tourism industry.

“I take this opportunity to welcome the world to visit Pakistan and see this peaceful and hospitable land. Pakistan provides an opportunity to tourists to see the natural sights, ancient civilizations and experience the great diversity of cultures, people, landscapes and tasty cuisine. Pakistan is blessed with tremendous potential of tourism in all the four provinces including the Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan with a variety of terrain, climate, fauna, flora combined with a rich blend of socio-cultural diversity…

“I extend my felicitations to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation and all the stakeholders from the public and private sector for their dedication and extraordinary efforts for the promotion of tourism at the global, regional and national level. Pakistan is ready to welcome the world,” President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi stated.