Tokyo, September 20: Pakistan participated in JATA World Travel Fair 2007 held at Tokyo Big Site from 14-16 September 2007. Three-member official delegation was led by Mr. Najeeb Khawer Awan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.

The World Travel Fair is organized by Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) annually. This year, 948 exhibition booths were set up in the Fair by 772 exhibitors from 134 countries and regions from around the world. The fair was attended by 107,078 Japanese and foreign visitors including 38,376 trade visitors and press people. Pakistan has been a regular exhibitor in JATA for the last many years. This time, Pakistan Pavilion was set up on a space measuring 45 Sqm, Major funding coordination, organization, designing and construction work of the Pavilion was supervised by PTDC in consultation its private sector co-exhibitors. The theme of the Pakistan Pavilion was based on Gandhara Heritage, which is a major attraction for Japanese tourists. It was decorated by big backlit banner depicting art work of Gandhara and a replica of a stupa from Jaulian ancient monastery of Taxila. Tourist literature in English and Japanese languages, posters, CDs, view cards, flag pins, mehndi, bangles, dry fruit and other give away items were distributed free of charges among Japanese and foreign visitors to Pakistan Pavilion.

In addition to Ministry of Tourism and Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP), Travel Walji’s (Pvt.) Ltd, Pearl Tours & Travel (Hashoo Group), Niazi Tourism Services, Oriental links, Avari Hotels International joined Pakistan Pavilion as co-exhibitors. They made good business contact for the year 2008.