Lahore Wins SCO Tourism Capital

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has named Lahore as its Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27. This title is rotated annually among SCO member states to promote people-to-people contacts and tourism.

The decision was announced at the 26th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Bishkek, which was attended by PM Shehbaz Sharif. The meeting marked a significant moment for Pakistan, which assumed the SCO presidency in 2026.

The theme of the SCO chairmanship under Pakistan is 'Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity'. This theme is expected to guide the organisation's efforts to promote cooperation and development among its member states.

The title of Tourism and Cultural Capital has been rotated annually among SCO member states since 2022. Previous cities to hold the title include Varanasi, India (2022-23), Almaty, Kazakhstan (2023-24), Qingdao, China (2024-25), and Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan (2025-26).

## Why it matters The designation of Lahore as the tourism and cultural capital is designed to promote people-to-people contacts and tourism among the member states. This move is expected to boost tourism and cultural exchange between Pakistan and other SCO member states, and to highlight the cultural heritage of Lahore.

The decision to designate Lahore as the tourism and cultural capital was taken in April 2026, when the heads of tourism administrations of SCO member states met in Bishkek. This decision reflects the organisation's commitment to promoting cooperation and development among its member states, and to showcasing the cultural and tourist attractions of its member cities.

As the SCO continues to promote people-to-people contacts and tourism among its member states, the designation of Lahore as the tourism and cultural capital is expected to play a significant role in promoting the city's cultural heritage and tourist attractions to a global audience.