Sunday, February 9, 2025
Islamabad (News / Pakistan Point News - 09th Feb, 2025) The resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on its popular European routes is a major milestone for Pakistan’s aviation and tourism sectors. This move is a golden opportunity to improve the country’s image globally. The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) is working together to ensure that its benefits go beyond air travel.
PTDC Managing Director Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana, in an exclusive interview with APP, expressed hope that the resumption of PIA’s European flights will play a significant role in Pakistan’s broader tourism goals. He said that this revival is part of a larger strategy to promote tourism potential in the country.
He said that increased connectivity will help showcase Pakistan’s hidden tourist destinations to the world, which will help attract not only tourists but also investors and cultural ambassadors.
Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana stressed that PTDC aims to promote a positive image of Pakistan internationally, PIA’s return will directly boost the tourism sector. He said that PIA’s European routes will connect passengers with the beauty and culture of Pakistan and make it an attractive destination, PIA’s revival and tourism revival are closely linked, PTDC is working to shift Pakistan’s image from negative stereotypes to a country with diverse landscapes, diverse cultures and a deep history.
Initiatives such as online visa policy for 126 countries, offering faster processing, are key to this transformation. These efforts are in line with the broader goal of transforming tourism into a sustainable industry. PTDC data shows that international arrivals reached 2.21 million in 2023, with an expected 15% increase in 2024. This increase reflects the growing global interest in Pakistan, driven by the country’s natural beauty, hospitality and heritage.
The return of PIA flights to Europe will further fuel this growth by making travel to Pakistan easier and more reliable. Managing Director Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana said, “We are seeing more tourists from key markets such as the US, China, Germany and the UK. With better travel options through these European routes, we expect this growth to continue.
Pakistan is home to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, from towering mountains to lush green valleys, and has a rich cultural heritage. In 2019, CNN and Forbes recognized Pakistan as an emerging tourism destination and in subsequent years, the British Backpacker Society named it one of the ‘Tourism Friendly Countries’. Through strategic reforms, PTDC is creating an ecosystem that supports both domestic tourism and local economic development.
Under the online visa policy, visitors from 126 countries will be granted free visas within 24 hours, with the aim of ensuring a seamless experience for international tourists after bringing them to Pakistan. PIA’s history is a tale of both success and decline. Once a symbol of national pride, the airline was known for its world-class service, modern fleet and ability to connect Pakistan globally.
In the 1960s and 1970s, PIA was a respected name in the aviation sector, admired worldwide, but over the years, mismanagement, financial crisis and poor policies led to the airline’s decline. By 2020, PIA was facing huge losses and its debts exceeded Rs56 billion. The revival of PIA’s European routes is much more than just the revival of an airline; it is part of a broader effort to restore Pakistan’s global reputation and boost its economy.
The airline has resumed its services to Europe with the aim of not only attracting more passengers but also making Pakistan a more accessible destination for tourists. He said that we consider this a significant moment for both PIA and the country. As Pakistan’s tourism sector is rapidly recovering, PIA’s revival could usher in a new era of growth for both the airline and the country’s tourism industry. It is hoped that continued collaboration between government agencies, PIA and the private sector will allow Pakistan’s atmosphere and its tourism sector to flourish once again.\395
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