Karachi: The Sustainable Tourism Forum & Expo (STF) 2026, organized by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), concluded successfully in Karachi after a high-level dialogue aimed at strengthening multilateral tourism cooperation among OIC member states.
Under the theme “Transforming Tourism for Community Development”, the forum brought together ministers from Islamic countries, senior policymakers, investors, tourism leaders, and industry experts from across the OIC region and beyond to explore sustainable tourism development, investment opportunities, and community-driven growth.
The forum was organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) and the Board of Investment (BOI), Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), and AlBaraka Bank Pakistan.
In his welcome address, H.E. Yousef Hassan Khalawi, Secretary General, Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Development (ICCD), said, “Sustainable tourism is not only about destinations, but about people and communities. The discussions held at this forum highlight the importance of aligning investment, climate responsibility, and local development to ensure tourism delivers lasting value across OIC countries.”
Addressing the forum in his keynote speech, H.E. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), said, “Tourism today is a strategic economic sector and a powerful engine for employment, investment, cultural exchange, and sustainable development. I am pleased to say that Pakistan is fully aligned with the global vision for tourism. By developing this sector, businesses such as hotels, restaurants, transport services, recreational sports, and local enterprises will grow simultaneously, leading to the creation of both skilled and unskilled employment opportunities.”
Special messages from the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Honourable Minister for Commerce were shared during the forum, reiterating the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to promoting tourism by creating an enabling environment for investment.
Speaking at the ministerial session, H.E. Qaisar Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister of Investment, Pakistan, said “Pakistan is a hub of diverse civilizations, home to numerous historical and cultural sites. However, many of these sites require improved infrastructure and increased investment. Pakistan offers vast opportunities to the world, and such forums serve as an effective platform for networking and collaboration among countries.”
Mr. Muhammad Atif Hanif, President & CEO of AlBaraka Bank Pakistan, also spoke at the event. He underscored Pakistan’s vast tourism potential and noted that targeted financial support and long-term investment frameworks could play a pivotal role in developing sustainable tourism destinations and strengthening the national economy.
The ICCD Sustainable Tourism Forum & Expo 2026 was attended by ministers, business leaders, and stakeholders from OIC member states, with participation from countries including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Iran, Ivory Coast, Malaysia, Singapore, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Afghanistan, and others.
Alongside the forum, a Culture and Tourism Exhibition was also held, showcasing the tourism offerings and cultural heritage of Pakistan and participating countries, providing delegates with insights into regional destinations and investment prospects.
The successful conclusion of the Sustainable Tourism Forum & Expo 2026 marked a significant step toward strengthening partnerships among OIC countries and positioning Pakistan as a hub for sustainable tourism development in the Islamic world.
