Addressing a press conference, Sardar Yasir Ilyas said the mega festival would open a new chapter for tourism in Pakistan and would later be replicated in other provinces. He said the government was introducing innovation in the tourism sector, adding that youth-oriented training courses were being launched to create skilled human resources. Pakistan’s leading mountaineers will also be present to guide young participants and promote adventure tourism in collaboration with the Alpine Club and other partners. “This event is aimed at creating public awareness about tourism, culture and heritage, as tourism already contributes around 5.6 percent to Pakistan’s GDP,” he added. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), Amjad Ali Gill, said the festival reflects strong inter-ministerial collaboration aimed at reviving tourism and sports across the country.