Pakistan, Turkey to Exchange 100,000 Tourists next Year     
By Samina Qureshi 'Pakistan Times' Sindh Bureau Chief

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Tourism, Nilofer Bakhtiar here on Wednesday said a target has been set for exchange of 100,000 tourists between Turkey and Pakistan during the next year.

She was addressing a programme arranged by Turkish Airlines to mark the arrival of 100 tour operators from Turkey to Pakistan here at a hotel.

The Federal Minister pointed out that great potential exists for tourism in Pakistan and Turkey and efforts are being made to promote tourism between the two countries.

Welcoming the 100 tour operators coming from Turkey to Pakistan, she said their presence will make a considerable impact towards the promotion of tourism in both the countries.

She mentioned her visit to Turkey in the previous month and said she invited the Turkish tour operators to Pakistan in view of the existing potential of tourism in the two countries.

"The number of tourists from both the countries does not reflect the level of long lasting and great relationships of friendliness and brotherhood enjoyed by them," Nilofer Bakhtiar observed and added that steps are being taken to give a boost to tourism in these countries.

She said Turkish Airlines is operating four flights from Karachi to Istanbul, two from Islamabad and now it is our wish that a seventh flight be started from Lahore.

Nilofer Bakhtiar said Turkish Airlines is displaying a logo of "Visit Pakistan" and "Destination Pakistan" in their flights.

"They (the Turkish Airlines) is supporting us" she noted.

The Federal Minister said the Turkisk Airline will support our activities directed towards promotion of tourism throughout the year.

In this regard, she said the Government will be organising a mega event called "International Mart" in May this year in which Turkish Airlines will set up a very big stall which will be named Friendship Flight.

The "Friendship Flight," in which Turkish Minister for Tourism is also coming, will give a big boost to tourism industry in Pakistan, she said.

The Minister said Turkey is also establishing an office of Culture and Tourism Promotion in Islamabad.

Ms Nilofer Bakhtiar said the tour operators of both the countries have met today and will work with cooperation for achieving the common goals.

President and CEO, Turkish Airlines, Dr. Temel Kotil in his address expressed the hope that joint efforts being made for the promotion of tourism by both the countries will prove fruitful.●