Pakistan Travel and Tourism News – August 24, 2025
Major Diplomatic Breakthrough
Pakistan-Bangladesh Resume Visa-Free Travel: In a historic development, Bangladesh has removed visa requirements for Pakistani officials for the first time since 1971. The five-year agreement allows holders of diplomatic and official passports from both countries to travel without visas, marking a significant improvement in bilateral relations following the August 2024 political changes in Bangladesh. This diplomatic breakthrough coincides with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s landmark visit to Dhaka – the first Pakistani foreign ministerial trip to Bangladesh in 13 years.
Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor Launched: Pakistan unveiled the “Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor” offering 500 scholarships to Bangladeshi students over the next five years, with 25% allocated for medical studies. Additionally, 100 Bangladeshi civil servants will participate in specialized training programs, while scholarships under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Program have increased from 5 to 25.
Tourism Industry Growth Projections
$4.26 Billion Tourism Revenue Projected: Pakistan’s travel and tourism market is expected to reach US$4.26 billion in 2025, with an aggressive 11.31% annual growth rate projected through 2030, potentially reaching US$7.28 billion by decade’s end. The hospitality industry specifically is projected to expand at a 6.56% CAGR from 2025 to 2033, with hotel market revenue expected to reach US$1.74 billion by 2025.
Package Holidays Leading Growth: The Package Holidays segment dominates Pakistan’s tourism market with a projected volume of US$1.87 billion in 2025. Digital engagement is accelerating rapidly, with 69% of total tourism revenue expected to come from online sales by 2030.
Government Tourism Initiatives
Prime Minister’s Tourism Action Plan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a comprehensive action plan to boost both domestic and international tourism, emphasizing Pakistan’s “immense natural blessings” from snow-covered mountains to vibrant coastlines. The government plans to develop 20 new tourist destinations and leverage religious and medical tourism potential.
National Tourism Expo Planned: A National Tourism Expo and Investment Conference will be held soon in Islamabad to attract investors, following successful events like the Mango Festival 2025 in Multan.
Infrastructure and Technology Developments
Islamabad Launches CDA Mobile App: The Capital Development Authority has launched its official mobile application providing information about electric and metro bus routes, tourism guidance, and nearby points of interest for better travel planning in Islamabad. The app features trip planning, route information integrated with Google Maps, and future capabilities for real-time tracking and mobile fare payments.
Weather Alerts for Tourist Areas: Pakistan’s meteorological department issued weather updates for popular tourist destinations, warning of cloudy conditions with chances of rain and thunderstorms in key areas including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Murree, Kalam, Naran & Kaghan, and Gilgit-Baltistan from August 23-28.
Regional Tourism Cooperation
Pakistan-China Cultural Partnership: Pakistan and China have strengthened tourism cooperation with agreements to enhance cultural diplomacy, restore shared heritage sites, and launch joint projects for historical landmark preservation. The partnership includes museum development, cultural exchanges, art exhibitions, and collaborative tourism campaigns.
Azerbaijan Tourism Exchange: Ten leading Pakistani tourism companies participated in a familiarization tour of Azerbaijan from August 16-22, exploring opportunities for mutual cooperation and tourist exchange. The initiative resulted in B2B meetings with about 50 local Azerbaijani companies, capitalizing on direct flights from Lahore and Islamabad.
Security Considerations
Mixed Security Landscape: While overall tourism safety has improved, security concerns persist in certain regions. The UK and US maintain travel advisories against visiting areas near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and Balochistan province. However, major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, along with northern tourist destinations like Hunza and Skardu, are considered increasingly safe for travelers.
Targeted Security Alert: The US Consulate in Karachi issued a security alert on July 31, 2025, regarding threats directed at high-end hotels in the city, temporarily limiting US government personnel visits to these establishments.
Women-Led Tourism Revolution
Female-Led Adventure Tourism: Pakistan is experiencing a “gendered tourism revolution” with women spearheading wellness retreats, adventure tourism, and group trips across the country. Female entrepreneurs are creating safe spaces for women travelers, particularly in northern areas like Skardu, offering unique experiences that showcase Pakistan’s natural beauty at a slower, more appreciative pace.
International Recognition and Challenges
Tourism Potential vs. Performance: Despite Pakistan’s rich cultural and natural heritage, the tourism sector contributes only 1.9% to GDP and 1.7% to total employment. The country welcomed approximately 965,000 international visitors in 2024, who spent $738 million during an average stay of 6.2 days. Pakistan ranks 101st out of 119 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development survey, highlighting significant room for improvement.
The tourism industry shows strong momentum with government support, infrastructure development, and growing international recognition, though security concerns in certain regions continue to present challenges for sector growth.
Sources Used in This News Article
- Pakistan, Bangladesh sign visa-free deal for officials – Dunya News
https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/902145-pakistan-bangladesh-sign-visafree-deal-for-officials - Pakistan, Bangladesh end Visa requirements for officials – Mettis Global News
https://mettisglobal.news/Pakistan-Bangladesh-end-Visa-requirements-for-officials-54688 - Bangladesh removes visa requirement for Pakistani officials for 1st time since 1971 – Anadolu Agency
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/bangladesh-removes-visa-requirement-for-pakistani-officials-for-1st-time-since-1971/3665956 - Bangladesh, Pakistan Sign Visa-Free Deal for Officials – Daily CPEC
https://thedailycpec.com/bangladesh-pakistan-sign-visa-free-deal-for-officials/ - Bangladesh cancels visa requirements for Pakistani officials – TRT Global
https://trt.global/world/article/aba8b7fa60da - Govt officials: Bangladesh, Pakistan okay visa-free travel – The Daily Star
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/bangladesh-pakistan-approve-visa-free-entry-each-others-diplomats-3967631 - New Visa-Free Deal to Boost Pakistan-Bangladesh Official Exchanges – News of Bahrain
https://www.newsofbahrain.com/world/117710.html - Pakistan launches knowledge corridor, signs visa-free travel with Bangladesh – Gulf News
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/pakistan-launches-knowledge-corridor-signs-visa-free-travel-and-six-key-agreements-with-bangladesh-1.500243530
