Speaking to reporters after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SSGC regarding Destination Pakistan 2007, Bakhtiar said the federal government is marketing the historic and recreational places of Sindh at international level; and requested the media to avoid negative reporting in this regard.

Bakhtiar said the government was talking with heads of various banks to provide soft loans in connection with tourism, and added that for the upgradation of present hotels, their owners and staffs were being given training.

Measures are being taken up to run the PTDC Institute under public-private partnership, she said.

Last year, while on a visit to Britain, President Musharraf described tourism as a multi-billion industry and its improvement in Pakistan could enhance economic activities and alleviate poverty.

Referring to the share of Pakistan in the tourism, he said out of the eight per cent of the world's tourism business of South Asia, Pakistan has just a four per cent share.

He said the development of tourism would also improve job opportunities and the economic benefits of tourism would reach the poor.

The year-long Destination Pakitsn 2007 was launched last December in a bid to project and promote Pakistan as an ideal tourist destination. In all, 58 events and festivals will be held till the end of December 2007.