Islamabad tourism took center stage as the capital hosted the Pakistan Tourism, Sports & Family Festival 2026, a two-day public event blending adventure, culture and family entertainment to project a welcoming image to international visitors.
Paragliding demonstrations from the Margalla Hills and a series of hot air balloon displays transformed the city skyline into a dramatic showcase of adventure tourism, while carefully curated leisure activities highlighted Islamabad tourism’s potential as an experiential destination.
Organizers set aside dedicated promotion zones for religious tourism and medical tourism, providing information stalls to spotlight faith-based routes and the country’s healthcare services. Provincial ensembles and Kalasha cultural performances underlined Pakistan’s rich regional diversity and heritage.
Sports and active participation were central to the festival, with a marathon and cycling events offering cash prizes of up to PKR 100,000 to encourage broad public engagement. Adventure attractions such as rock climbing further enhanced the festival’s dynamic program.
Families remained a core focus with a fully developed Family Arena, interactive children’s activities and a nationwide food festival showcasing regional cuisines. Arts and crafts displays, gems and jewellery exhibitions, along with live painting and photography presentations, provided an immersive cultural experience for visitors of all ages.
International engagement was strong, as ambassadors from more than 30 countries took part and were offered a guided sightseeing tour of Islamabad aboard a double-decker bus, providing diplomats firsthand exposure to the capital’s planning, heritage and natural beauty.
Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Tourism, underlined the economic promise of tourism for Pakistan and said the festival is a strategic initiative to reposition the country globally. He noted that Pakistan could generate between $40 and $50 billion annually through tourism if its natural assets, culture and hospitality are effectively showcased.
The Pakistan Tourism, Sports & Family Festival 2026 marked a clear effort to redefine Islamabad not only as an administrative capital but as a destination of culture, adventure and opportunity, signaling a fresh chapter for Islamabad tourism and inviting both domestic and international visitors to explore what the city has to offer.
