Pakistan backs China’s bid to host UN tourism regional office

RIYADH, Nov.11 (Gwadar Pro)- Pakistan has formally backed China’s proposal to establish a Regional Office of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), signaling support for stronger regional cooperation in sustainable tourism.

The announcement came during the 26th UNWTO General Assembly in Riyadh, attended by representatives from over 150 countries.

Pakistan’s delegation included Ahmad Shafiq, CEO of the College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM) Global, and Aftab ur Rehman, Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC). COTHM also became the first Pakistani tourism education institution to attend the Assembly.

Islamabad’s support reflects its view that China’s advanced tourism infrastructure and connectivity make it a strong candidate to lead regional collaboration.

Ahmad Shafiq said the move builds on Pakistan-China cooperation under CPEC and other initiatives, helping expand people-to-people ties and tourism partnerships across Asia.