KARACHI: Sindh Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives Minister Sardar Ali Shah had said that now is the time to convert terrorism to tourism, while speaking at a press conference at a local hotel in connection with Pakistan Travel Mart (PTM) 2017. “Pakistan’s first travel and tourism expo is going to be held in Karachi Expo Centre from November 24-26 with national and international travel and tourism companies participating,” said Landmark Communication CEO M Ali Hamdani. Sardar Ali Shah said that he was proud to be a son of Sindh. Recalling his childhood memories, he said that he used to see foreigners on Karachi’s roads but terrorism had put a halt to all that. He said that they had been working on the idea of PTM for a year now and now was the time to showcase their efforts. He explained that they had taken inspiration from the United Nation’s declaration of 2017 as the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development”, adding that the importance of international tourism was fostering better understanding, leading to a greater awareness of rich heritage of various civilisations. He said that the difficult time for Pakistan had gone and now it was time to promote Pakistan as a tourist destination with special emphasis on the tourism potential in Sindh. He vowed to arrange the next year’s PTM at an even bigger scale. To a question, Shah responded that in his 14 months tenure, construction of 21 sites had been under way, and half of them completed with first class facilities to host the visitors. Landmark Communication CEO Muhammad Ali Hamdani said that they strongly believe that because of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan’s tourism would escalate to new heights. He said the PTM will be a big step towards achieving that objective. He informed that leading airlines, travel agencies, hotels, tour operators and online booking companies would be participating in the exhibition. Published in Daily Times, November 23rd 2017.