Colorful COTTM Exhibition Concludes, Showcasing Global Tourism Trends

News Desk

Islamabad: The vibrant three-day China Outbound Travel & Tourism Mart (COTTM) in Beijing wrapped up with an impressive turnout and enthusiastic visits to the Pakistan Pavilion. Showcasing Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality, the event witnessed substantial engagement.

Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and eight private stakeholders showcased the country’s offerings at the exhibition held in the Chinese capital from November 15 to 17, as per a press release issued on Saturday.

Participation in COTTM aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy to promote tourism and diversify its economy. The exhibition was conducted to attract more Chinese tourists and strengthen its position as a preferred travel destination.

Earlier, the Pakistan Pavilion at the COTTM exhibition was officially inaugurated by Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, on Wednesday.

PTDC had been effectively working with our Pakistan Embassy in China and the China Embassy in Islamabad to create business-to-business linkages in the tourism sector. During the past year, we have arranged several online meetings and webinars with them, and the good news is that now China has decided to open inbound group tourism to Pakistan from China.

Under the leadership of Minister of State for Tourism and SAPM on Youth Affairs Wasi Shah, the PTDC participated in COTTM Beijing. The minister highlighted the significance of Pakistan’s participation in COTTM, adding that it would enhance tourism exchange and facilitate business partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese tour operators.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to welcoming Chinese investors with open arms.

Aftab Rana, MD, PTDC, said that PTDC officials, along with a delegation of eight tour operator companies, participated in COTTM, which will be greatly helpful to build B2B linkages between the tour operators of both countries, and as a result, tourist traffic between the two countries will further increase.

He added that China is a very important market for Pakistan to attract inbound tourists. The governments of Pakistan and China have declared 2023 the Pak-China Year of Tourism Exchange.