Karachi: Magid Aziz, the former president of the Pakistan Labor Union (EFP), suggested that the Islamic Conference Organization Organization visa one for all 54 member states, initially for businessmen. This proposal was presented during his main speech on “Commercial Tourism as a tool to promote sustainable tourism” in the sustainable tourism forum organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Islamic Development, says a press release.
He highlighted that while the United States grants five -year visas, the United Kingdom is issuing ten years visas, and the European Union provides five -year visas, and no country provides the organization of the International Organization Organization for long -term visas. He expressed concern that the Pakistani businessmen, although they do not consider a threat by non -Islamic countries, seem to be treated in this way by the Islamic nations. He suggested that the internal ministers from the Islamic Conference Organization countries create a framework to facilitate tourism and set a joint visa policy.
Majeed Aziz, a former head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the importance of tourism as a serious work with the ability to transform economies. Despite the beautiful beauty of Pakistan, the rich heritage, and the strategic location, the country’s tourism sector contributes less than 2 % to GDP, which is much lower than its capabilities. He pointed out that investing in the tourism sector reaches more than 425 billion PKR, which represents nearly 10 % of the total investment in Pakistan.
To revitalize the tourism sector, he emphasized the need for immediate improvements, including ensuring access to high -quality hotels and comfort facilities, the imposition of ceilings on accommodation, food and rents, improving the road infrastructure and cleaning of tourist sites, and simplifying taxes with initiatives for sustainable tourism.
According to the Tourism and Development Index at the World Economic Forum, Pakistan is ranked 101 out of 119 countries. Aziz warned that this bleak arrangement confirms the need for a higher priority in tourism, safety and security to attract tourists.
Comparing the tourism performance in Pakistan with regional competitors, it has highlighted that Sri Lanka attracts more than 3 million tourists, as she achieved 4 billion dollars, while Turkish welcomes more than 42 million tourists, and got more than 135 billion dollars. Aziz was actively recommended to promote the religious tourism of Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs with the inhibition of foreign positions inside Pakistan. He also called for zero or decreased import duties and taxes on equipment and basic facilities to develop tourism.
Majeed Aziz strongly called for the public and private partnerships to promote globally, the “Brand of Pakistan”. He stressed the importance of creating positive perceptions between foreign tourists and greatly enhancing local tourism. He urged the integration of local communities in managing tourism activities and called for responsible conservation practices to enhance entrepreneurship and innovation.
In conclusion, Aziz highlighted that these measures will contribute to achieving sustainable development goals by enhancing sustainable economic growth, reducing poverty, unemployment, and environmental protection.
OIC visa for four proposed Islamic countries: Majeed trendy blogger
