Islamabad: Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, has stated that Pakistan has the potential to more than double its remittance flow from $32 billion to $62 billion by sending well-trained youth abroad. His remarks came during the launching event of the “Pakistan Tourism Profile 2024 and the Rasta Initiative,” organized by the Riphah Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts in collaboration with Tourism Insights.

According to Press Information Department, Rana Mashhood highlighted the significant demand for skilled workers in sectors like driving and hospitality in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to need approximately 200,000 drivers and 150,000 hospitality workers in the coming years. He emphasized that Pakistan could meet this demand by training youth and equipping them with high ethical standards. Additionally, he pointed out that Pakistan could leverage its rich historical and religious heritage to tap into the multi-billion dollar religious tourism industry.

The event also marked the launch of the “Rasta Initiative,” a dedicated employment portal for Pakistan’s hospitality and tourism sectors. The portal is designed to support career development for young professionals and meet the labor market needs of tourism-related businesses. The Pakistan Tourism Profile 2024, a comprehensive industry report released at the event, provides up-to-date data, insights, and trends to guide decision-making and strategic development in the tourism sector.

During the event, panel discussions covered topics including hospitality education, youth engagement in tourism, and the socio-economic benefits of promoting peace through tourism. Experts from various sectors participated, sharing their insights on how tourism can act as a bridge between cultures and contribute to socio-economic growth.

The event underscored the importance of tourism as a driver of peace, cultural exchange, and economic development, positioning Pakistan as an emerging player in the global tourism market.