By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Department Punjab, along with its allied departments, marked World Tourism Day 2025 with a series of vibrant celebrations across Punjab. Major events were held at Alhamra Arts Council, Allama Iqbal Museum (Javed Manzil), and Lahore Museum, introducing new tourism initiatives while ensuring public participation.
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The central ceremony took place at Alhamra Arts Council where Magnificent Punjab Tourism Application and the upgraded TDCP website were launched, providing easy access to tourism services and information with just a click. The “Tourism on Wheels” project was inaugurated, while a “Camping Gala” was announced to promote adventure and eco-tourism. A documentary on Punjab Tourism and a special “Punjab Tourism Song” were also premiered, receiving great applause from the audience.
Additionally, an MoU was signed between TDCP and the Inspectorate of Prisons Punjab to provide hospitality training for inmates. The ceremony also featured addresses by McDonald’s Pakistan CMO Raza Ali and Punjab University’s Dean Prof. Dr. Sajid Rashid, highlighting public-private collaboration for tourism and hospitality growth.
The Directorate General of Archaeology Punjab organized a special ceremony at Allama Iqbal Museum (Javed Manzil). The event began with a flag hoisting and national anthem led by Secretary Tourism, Archaeology & Museums Dr. Ehsan Bhutta and DG Archaeology Zahid Abbas Malik. The program included cultural performances and the distribution of certificates.
At Lahore Museum, a special photography exhibition was inaugurated by Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral Fred Seneviratne, accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission A. Christy Ruban and Secretary Tourism Dr. Ehsan Bhutta. The exhibition showcased over 120 photographs of South Punjab’s heritage and architectural marvels, celebrating the region’s cultural richness. Museum employees were also awarded certificates for their dedicated services.
As part of the World Tourism Day activities, aspirants of the National Outreach Program explored Lahore’s historic landmarks aboard the TDCP Sightseeing Double Decker Bus. The tour included visits to the 1849-built Poonch House and the Bhagat Singh Art Gallery. Participants appreciated the Punjab Government’s restoration efforts at Poonch House, the site where Bhagat Singh’s 1931 trial was conducted, and praised the well-managed services of the sightseeing bus as a memorable experience.
To further engage citizens and tourists, awareness sessions, heritage walks, and cultural performances were organized. Traditional flute melodies, bhangra performances, and other vibrant displays of Punjabi culture created a festive and colorful environment.
Addressing the ceremonies, Secretary Tourism, Archaeology & Museums Dr. Ehsan Bhutta said:
“Under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the guidance of Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, concrete steps are being taken to inject new life into Punjab’s economy through tourism. Tourism not only highlights our heritage and culture but also serves as a strong driver of sustainable development, job creation, and economic growth.”
Participants and guests hailed the celebrations as a landmark event, showcasing the government’s commitment to cultural preservation, tourism development, and public engagement.
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