Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, emphasized the significant role Silicon Valley could play in revolutionizing Pakistan’s tourism sector. Speaking at a special session, “Exploring Pakistan’s Tourism Treasures: From Mountains to Metropolises,” during the Annual Open Silicon Valley Forum 2023, Khan highlighted the potential for digitalization to reshape the country’s tourism landscape.
Khan outlined the benefits of digitalization, envisioning a future where technology facilitates seamless access to essential information such as bookings, lodging, transportation, and accurate details, resulting in a transformative change in Pakistan’s tourism industry. He urged collaboration, stating,
“Our joint ventures would help tap the existing potential of tourism. Your equity participation would pay you well.”
Expressing gratitude to the organizers for the session, Khan anticipated its impact in encouraging people to visit Pakistan and experience the pristine beauty of the country firsthand.
During his address, Khan presented three compelling reasons to explore Pakistan. Firstly, the country boasts a diverse geography, featuring towering mountains, scorching deserts, and a captivating coastline. Secondly, Pakistanis are renowned for their hospitality and warmth, offering a welcoming experience to visitors. Lastly, with a rich history dating back to 5000 BC and relics of ancient civilizations, Pakistan stands as a melting pot of diverse cultures.
Highlighting the diverse tourism opportunities in Pakistan, including business, adventure, religious, ecotourism, water sports, and paragliding, Khan stressed the country’s robust domestic tourism industry, with tens of millions of tourists visiting various locations. He underscored ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure to accommodate international tourists while acknowledging the need for careful handling to prevent environmental degradation in fragile ecosystems.
Ambassador Khan concluded by expressing pride in Pakistan’s pristine locations and the country’s commitment to showcasing them to the world.