PTDC Hosts Successful Conference on Sustainable Mountain Tourism for International Mountain Day

By DTD- On Dec 13, 2024

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) in collaboration with several prominent organizations hosted a successful conference on Sustainable Mountain Tourism in celebration of International Mountain Day.

The event, held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad, brought together a diverse group of attendees, including mountaineers, trekkers, adventure enthusiasts, conservationists, tourism professionals, students, and media representatives. The conference, which featured a photographic competition and tourism startups exhibition, focused on the theme “Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future: Innovation, Adaptation, and Youth,” aiming to address innovative solutions for preserving mountain ecosystems while empowering local communities and the younger generation.

PTDC Managing Director Aftab ur Rehman Rana delivered the keynote address, stressing the importance of adopting sustainable tourism practices to protect mountain landscapes. He emphasized that mountains are not just scenic treasures but vital ecosystems that sustain millions of lives. In his address, the Chief Guest, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Program, highlighted the significance of mountains to Pakistan’s environment, economy, and culture. He urged the youth to take proactive steps in promoting a positive image of the country and fostering partnerships for sustainable mountain development.

The conference also featured notable international contributions, with Gailius Draugelis, Operations Manager of the World Bank, highlighting the Bank’s role in supporting sustainable tourism projects in Pakistan. He discussed how initiatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab have improved tourism infrastructure and heritage conservation. The event also included four insightful panel discussions that covered a range of topics related to mountain tourism, including the role of technology in the mountain economy, the potential for adventure sports, and the promotion of mountaineering and trekking in Pakistan.

The panelists for these discussions included experts such as Dr. Vaqar Ahmed from Oxford Policy Management, Rohma Labeeb from Accelerate Prosperity, and renowned mountaineers like Shehroze Kashif and Sarbaz Khan. They delved into various challenges facing the sector, from infrastructure issues to the untapped potential of adventure sports in mountainous areas. They called for greater collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities to position Pakistan as a leading destination for adventure and sports tourism.

One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of excellence in mountain photography. The Mountain Photography Competition 2024 saw stunning entries showcasing Pakistan’s breathtaking mountain landscapes. The winners were awarded prizes in both professional and amateur categories. As part of the event’s celebration of mountaineering and trekking achievements, medals and shields were also awarded to high achievers in these fields by the Alpine Club of Pakistan.

The event showcased cutting-edge innovations in tourism, with organizations like Nano IT, Digital Saqafat, Porter Pakistan, and TrulyPakistan offering new solutions to enhance travel experiences. The NIC Islamabad also announced an upcoming hackathon focused on tourism innovation. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with startups and explore collaborations aimed at addressing modern challenges in tourism. The conference underscored the importance of integrating sustainability into tourism practices to ensure long-term economic growth while preserving Pakistan’s natural and cultural heritage.

In his concluding remarks, PTDC’s Managing Director extended gratitude to all the participants and panelists for their invaluable contributions, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect and promote the sustainability of Pakistan’s mountain regions. The event served as a vital platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, and awareness around sustainable mountain tourism.