Webinar on

“Promotion of Maritime Tourism in Pakistan”

National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Karachi organized a webinar on the topic “Promotion of Maritime Tourism in Pakistan” to identify/explore the potential of the maritime tourism industry for Pakistan’s economy and to draw attention on the various issues/challenges in the growth of this sector. Mr. Muhammad Aslam Ghauri, Secretary, Environment Climate Change & Coastal Development Department, Government of Sindh graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, whereas, eminent International and national speakers gave an insight on various aspects of maritime tourism. Vice Admiral (Retired) Abdul Aleem HI(M), Director General, NIMA welcomed all the worthy speakers/participants and highlighted the importance of the maritime tourism with sustainable environment and its impact on the socio-economic development of the coastal communities.

Commander Muhammad Akhtar, PN, Deputy Director NIMA set the stage by highlighting the significance of the topic and the prominence of maritime tourism along with its prospects for Pakistan. Commodore (Retired) Ali Abbas SI(M) Director National Institute of Maritime Affairs, Karachi moderated the session. Mr. Ross Gordon Hopkins, a maritime tourism expert from Australia shared his intellectual insights on international trends in maritime, coastal tourism and the opportunities for Pakistan. Mr. Babar Khan, Director General Balochistan Coastal Development Authority highlighted the current development projects along the coast of Balochistan for tourism purpose. Mr. Aftab Ur Rehman Rana, President of Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan gave an overview of the promotion of sustainable, ecofriendly coastal tourism in Pakistan and the related opportunities/challenges regarding Pakistan. At the end of the webinar, the Chief Guest Mr. Muhammad Aslam Ghauri, applauded the efforts put in by NIMA for bringing together professionals and multiple stakeholders to talk about the much-needed sector of the maritime economy.