Lahore has been nominated as a contender for the 2027 ECO Capital of Tourism title. On April 13, 2025, a 25-member delegation from the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) will visit the city, where the official announcement for the prestigious title will be made. Samarkand (Uzbekistan) and Erzurum (Turkey) are the previous recipients for 2025.
The ECO, consisting of 10 member countries, annually selects one city to receive the ECO Capital of Tourism designation, which acknowledges cities with significant historical, cultural, and tourism potential. Lahore’s nomination is significant due to its rich heritage and cultural legacy.
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Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that winning the title would greatly promote Pakistan’s heritage and history globally. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who invited ECO ambassadors to Lahore, expressed a desire to highlight the city’s vibrancy and cultural significance. She emphasized that Lahore’s inclusion in the nomination process would aid in boosting tourism for both the province and the nation.
Launched in 2019, the ECO Capital of Tourism program aims to elevate the region’s cities by showcasing their historical and cultural importance. The final decision for the 2027 title will be made at a meeting of the ECO Permanent Representatives Council, to be hosted by the Punjab Chief Minister. During their visit, the delegation will tour key historical landmarks, including the Walled City and cultural sites, and will be honored with a lunch at the Governor’s House.
