ISLAMABAD: Minister for Energy Omar Ayub has said the government is giving special emphasis to the promotion of domestic and foreign tourism in the country.

Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad on Sunday, he said promotion of tourism will help accelerate economic activities and create job opportunities.

He said the private sector should come forward for the development of necessary infrastructure at the tourist spots. He said we have to promote skydiving, paragliding and mountaineering amongst the youth.

The Minister for Energy thanked the armed forces and the private sector for their contributions to make the Islamabad Tourism Festival successful.

Addressing the ceremony, Special Assistant on Overseas Pakistan Zulfikar Bukhari said the government over the last two years has tried to remove hurdles in the way of tourism.

He assured that the government will facilitate the opening of hotels and guest houses at the tourist spots in the next two years. He said the guest houses of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation will also be renovated.