Iran and Pakistan Call for Surge in Direct Flight Connections
In a significant move to enhance tourism connections between Iran and Pakistan, Iranian Deputy Tourism Minister Anoushirvan Mohseni Bandpei and Aftab ur Rehman Rana, the Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), have called for an increase in the number of direct flights between the two countries. They also emphasized the potential of health tourism in Iran and the organization of sightseeing tours to attract more visitors.
This important dialogue took place during the 6th Ministerial Meeting on Tourism of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Erzurum, the designated ECO Tourism Capital for 2025. Both Iranian and Pakistani officials expressed their enthusiasm for promoting tourism transactions and strengthening bilateral ties.
- Direct Flights: Both parties stressed the need for more direct flights to facilitate easier travel.
- Health Tourism: They highlighted Iran’s health tourism capabilities as a key area for collaboration.
- Tour Packages: The Pakistani delegation announced plans to send pilgrimage tours to Iran while also organizing group and family tours.
- Visa Facilitation: There is an expectation from Pakistani officials for Iran to streamline the visa issuance process for their citizens.
- Tour Guide Collaboration: Both sides advocate for increased cooperation between Iranian and Pakistani tour guides.
- Border Facilities: They called for better facilities at border crossings to enhance tourist movement.
The Erzurum meeting gathered tourism leaders from nine ECO member states, along with representatives from the ECO Secretariat, the Organization of Turkic States, and the Turkish Cypriot State. The collaborative discussions focused on strategies to boost regional tourism cooperation and development.
The session commenced with remarks from ECO Secretary General Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan, who emphasized the pivotal role of tourism in fostering regional integration. He also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening tourism collaboration within the region.
Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, also contributed to the discussions by sharing Turkey’s tourism achievements and outlining the strategic outlook for its tourism sector.
During the meeting, ministers recognized Lahore, Pakistan, as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2027, Mary, Turkmenistan, for 2028, and Karakol for 2029. This acknowledgment reflects the unique cultural heritage and tourism potential of these cities, which are set to play a vital role in the region’s tourism landscape.
The discussions also involved reviewing the progress made in tourism cooperation under the ECO framework. The ministers explored various tourism-related components to shape ECO’s strategic vision for the forthcoming decade.
A significant highlight of the event was the official launch of the 1st Edition of the ECO Tourism Investment Guide. This publication aims to attract investment and promote tourism opportunities across the ECO region, serving as a valuable resource for stakeholders.
As the meeting drew to a close, the participants adopted the “Erzurum Declaration,” which outlines collective commitments and future directions to enhance regional tourism cooperation and sustainable development. This declaration marks an important step towards achieving mutual tourism goals and fostering deeper connections between Iran and Pakistan.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts between Iran and Pakistan in the tourism sector signify a promising future for health tourism, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation. With a focus on direct flights, visa facilitation, and enhanced tourism infrastructure, both nations are poised to create a more integrated and vibrant tourism landscape.
