The 2023 China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market (COTTM) Expo, held at China National Agriculture Center, witnessed a significant moment in international tourism with the inauguration of the Pakistan Pavilion. This event was part of a series of activities celebrating 2023 as the “Year of Tourism and Exchange” between Pakistan and China, emphasizing the critical role of tourism exchanges in bolstering the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Pakistani Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, at the opening ceremony, highlighted the profound impact of tourism on strengthening ties between Pakistan and China. He commended the efforts of exhibitors and tourism companies for showcasing Pakistan’s tourism potential, which is rich in cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unique culinary delights. Ambassador Hashmi extended a warm invitation to Chinese tourists, academics, and entrepreneurs to explore the wonders of Pakistan.
The ambassador pointed out the varied options available for Chinese tourists in Pakistan, catering to different interests. For adventure enthusiasts, Pakistan offers some of the world’s highest mountains, providing excellent opportunities for mountain climbing and forest treks. This aspect of Pakistan’s topography makes it an ideal destination for adventure tourism, offering breathtaking and challenging experiences.
In addition to adventure tourism, Pakistan is also home to significant civilization and heritage sites, attracting tourists with a penchant for history and archaeology. One such notable site is Taxila, considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Asia. Taxila, once a university and educational center for Buddhists, continues to draw pilgrims and history enthusiasts from across the globe.
Culinary tourism is another attraction Ambassador Hashmi emphasized. Pakistani cuisine, known for its diversity and distinct flavors, offers a unique experience for Chinese tourists. From spicy dishes in the Northeast to milder flavors in the North, Pakistani gastronomy provides a varied palette that can cater to different tastes. The ambassador expressed confidence that Chinese visitors would find Pakistani food both different and delightful.
The 2023 COTTM Expo, focusing on Belt and Road partner countries, featured more than 20 participating countries and regions, including Egypt, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, the Philippines, Poland, Tunisia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Azerbaijan, among others. The Expo served as a platform for these countries to invite Chinese tourists to experience their natural beauty, historical sites, cultural heritage, and lifestyle.
Pakistan’s participation in the Expo was marked by the presence of at least 12 tourism exhibitors and companies. Ambassador Hashmi expressed hope that the COTTM would facilitate networking between tourism companies from China and Pakistan, thereby enhancing people-to-people exchanges and further deepening the ties between the two countries.
In summary, the Pakistan Pavilion at the 2023 COTTM Expo not only showcased the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage but also underscored the growing importance of tourism in fostering international relationships. Through this platform, Pakistan aims to attract more tourists from China, thus contributing to a stronger bilateral relationship built on mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
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