Islamic Chamber’s Sustainable Tourism Forum 2026 Concludes in Karachi, Focusing on Community Development
The Sustainable Tourism Forum & Expo (STF) 2026 has concluded successfully in Karachi. Organized by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), the high-level event aimed to strengthen multilateral tourism cooperation among member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Held under the theme “Transforming Tourism for Community Development,” the forum served as a major platform for dialogue. It brought together ministers, senior policymakers, investors, and tourism leaders from across the Islamic world and beyond to explore pathways for sustainable growth, investment, and community benefit.
A Unified Vision for People-Centered Tourism
In his welcome address, ICCD Secretary General HE Yousef Hassan Khalawi framed the core mission. “Sustainable tourism is not only about destinations, but about people and communities,” he stated. The discussions focused on aligning investment, climate responsibility, and local development to ensure tourism delivers lasting value across OIC nations.
The forum was organized under the patronage of Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce and Board of Investment, in collaboration with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), and AlBaraka Bank Pakistan.
Positioning Tourism as a Strategic Economic Engine
Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the FPCCI, emphasized tourism’s transformative economic potential. “Tourism today is a strategic economic sector and a powerful engine for employment, investment, cultural exchange, and sustainable development,” he said.
Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s alignment with this global vision, noting that sectoral growth would spur businesses from hotels to transport and create widespread skilled and unskilled employment opportunities. Special messages from the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Minister for Commerce reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for tourism investment.
Showcasing Pakistan’s Potential and the Need for Collaboration
During a ministerial session, Federal Minister of Investment Qaisar Ahmed Sheikh showcased Pakistan’s vast potential. “Pakistan is a hub of diverse civilisations, home to numerous historical and cultural sites,” he said. He acknowledged the need for improved infrastructure and increased investment to fully realize this potential.
The minister stated that forums like the STF serve as effective platforms for international networking and collaboration. They help connect opportunities in countries like Pakistan with global investors and partners seeking sustainable tourism ventures.
Building a Collaborative Framework for the Future
The forum’s conclusion marks a step forward in building a collaborative framework for tourism across the Islamic world. By focusing on community development, sustainability, and shared investment, the ICCD and its partners aim to ensure that tourism growth is inclusive, resilient, and beneficial to local populations across member states.
