Association Strengthening Event

📍Karakoram University, Gilgit Campus

📆 October 24, 2022

Objective:

To promote the growth of tourism sector in Pakistan and boost innovation, Accelerate Prosperity (AP) hosted an event on 20th October 2022, in partnership with the Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO).  

Key stakeholders from the tourism industry like representatives from both national and regional tourism associations, well-known names in Pakistan’s tourism industry, travel media influencers, and aspiring entrepreneurs were gathered under one roof for a fruitful discussion. Accelerate Prosperity also announced the launch of the National Tourism Incubator program—a national-wide program for tourism specific entrepreneurs to improve the current offerings and services of the tourism industry, especially adventure tourism via AP training and incubation program, and patient debt financing. 

The event mainly aimed to build capacity and strengthen tourism associations. Our honorable chief guest, Aziz Ahmed Jamali—Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development Department shared his trekking experiences and his passion for adventure tourism. He reiterated the government’s commitment to actively work with industry stakeholders to advance tourism-friendly policies, establish mountaineering schools, and earmark annual budgets to promote tourism.  

Our guests of honor, Raja Nasir Ali Khan—Minister of Tourism and Culture Department, and Yasir Hussain—Director of Tourism and Culture Department, Gilgit Baltistan graced us with their presence as well and shared upcoming government initiatives to promote tourism in GB. 

Izhar Abbas—Accelerator Manager GB said that this program will be a first step towards promoting eco, winter, and adventure tourism where AP will closely work with key industry stakeholders and tourism experts to better cater to the needs of entrepreneurs and help them scale their businesses.