Lahore to Become Economic Cooperation Organization’s Tourism Capital

Lahore has edged past other cities as the Economic Cooperation Organization’s (ECO) Capital of Tourism for 2027, a move that would shine an international spotlight on the city’s cultural and historical significance.

A 25-member ECO delegation is scheduled to visit Lahore on April 13, 2025. During their visit, the organization will formally announce Lahore as the Tourism Capital for 2027. In previous years, the honor went to Samarkand in Uzbekistan and Erzurum in Turkey.

ECO includes ten member states: Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Each year, one city is chosen to represent the region’s cultural and tourism appeal.

Lahore has been selected due to its rich history, vibrant culture, and heritage landmarks. Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said Lahore’s selection would play a vital role in highlighting Pakistan’s cultural assets on an international platform.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who extended the invitation to ECO representatives, stated her goal is to showcase Lahore’s diverse heritage to a global audience. She called the selection a key opportunity to promote tourism in both the province and the country.

The visiting delegation will explore sites like the Walled City and Lahore’s Safe Cities Authority. The visit will conclude with a lunch hosted at the Governor’s House.