FPCCI holds seminar to boost tourism

LAHORE: The US is working closely with Pakistan to protect its cultural heritage, US Consul General Kristin K Hawkins said on Friday.

Speaking at a tourism seminar titled ‘Unlocking Tourism Potential: Path to National Economic Development’ organized by the Federation of the Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) at its regional office in Lahore, Hawkins said the US has provided more than $8.4 million in grants since 2001 to carry out 35 cultural preservation projects across Pakistan.

Hawkins added that a part of US-Pakistan bilateral cooperation on cultural heritage is a cultural property agreement signed between the US and Pakistan in January.

This agreement works to restrict the import of certain archaeological objects from Pakistan into the US and to help facilitate the return of those objects.

The seminar aimed to engage non-resident Pakistani investors to invest in Pakistan’s tourism sector. The principal objective of the session was to promote and develop tourism in Pakistan.

Hawkins added that the US Congress had established the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation in 2001, and since the program’s inception, the US has helped preserve more than 1,200 cultural heritage projects worldwide, including 35 projects here.

In Pakistan, these projects range from conserving Gandhara archaeological treasures and preserving Mughal architectural heritage to documenting historical manuscripts, restoring Sufi shrines and Hindu monuments, academic and professional partnerships, and digitizing efforts at museums.

Vice President of the FPCCI Qurratul Ain highlighted that tourism is not just an industry but a bridge that connects cultures, fosters understanding, and creates economic opportunities.

With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality, Pakistan holds immense potential to become a top tourist destination. However, to realize this potential, we must address various challenges and work collaboratively towards sustainable development, she said.

Hawkins further emphasized America’s significant commitment to preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage. The US is currently undertaking a substantial $1 million project at the Lahore Fort, focusing on the restoration of seven specific sites within the fort.

These sites, including the renowned picture wall and the Grand Sheesh Mahal, are emblematic of the diversity of Pakistan’s history and culture. The US has also recently completed a separate project at Wazir Khan Mosque and Chowk, now a vibrant hub for community and cultural events in Lahore.

Another recent US project was launched in Quetta to enhance a museum and help secure the cultural artifacts there for the future.

Qurratul Ain further stressed that the FPCCI is committed to boosting our tourism sector. “This session aims to explore strategies for harnessing Pakistan’s immense tourism potential, particularly in religious tourism, health tourism, and agritourism.”

She added that the engagement of overseas Pakistanis, especially those residing in the US and the EU, is crucial in this regard. Their experiences, investments, and connections can significantly contribute to the growth of our tourism industry.

Hawkins mentioned that America’s goal is to help preserve Pakistan’s cultural heritage, create new jobs, and strengthen the local economy. For example, the US is providing paid internships to 30 young Pakistanis to learn conservation techniques and develop marketable skills as part of the Lahore Fort project.

She remarked that the US has also supported the preservation of Pakistani cultural heritage through various academic partnerships, including multiple Boston architectural college-led projects that provided training on conservation methods for researchers in Lahore.

Hawkins emphasized that the United States has supported cultural partnerships such as a programme between the Smithsonian Institution in the US and the Lok Virsa Museum in Pakistan. These partnerships have led to joint research efforts and work to catalogue several cultural traditions through the digitalization of archives and the creation of audio tours.

Last year, six individuals from Punjab who are working in cultural heritage travelled to the US through the US government-funded international visitor leadership programme.

Secretary of the Tourism, Archaeology, and Museums Department, Government of Punjab Farid Ahmad Tarar highlighted the real potential of tourism in Pakistan. Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) Brigadier (r) Mansoor Janjua, non-resident Pakistani investor Imran Pasha, and others also spoke at the seminar.