Sindh gov’t partners with TAAP to revamp travel agency landscape

F.P. Report

Karachi: Minister for Tourism, Environment, Climate Change & Coastal Development, Arshad Wali Muhammad, joins forces with Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) today.

Collaborative discussions during the meeting generated significant policy proposals to streamline and regulate the travel agency landscape within the province. Arshad Wali Muhammad outlined a series of impactful changes, including the mandatory acquisition of a TAAP NOC for both obtaining and renewing travel agency licenses, effectively ensuring industry adherence to ethical practices and consumer protection.

Furthermore, empowering clients with greater control, the proposed policy change would require an NOC from TAAP before switching travel agencies, effectively curbing unethical practices.

To simplify the fee structure, the Sindh Tourism Department plans to implement a standardized annual fee to be finalized mutually with TAAP across all three travel agency license categories, regardless of IATA affiliation. Recognizing the need for enhanced efficiency and transparency, the caretaker Minister emphasized the crucial role of digitalizing the licensing process.

“This collaborative endeavor with TAAP represents not only a commitment to regulating the travel industry but also a concerted effort to cultivate a culture of transparency and professionalism,” stated Minister Arshad Wali Muhammad. “We are confident that these transformative changes will pave the way for sustainable growth and prosperity within the Sindh travel sector, benefiting both industry stakeholders and travel enthusiasts alike.”