Lahore Named SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital

Lahore Named SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–27

Lahore has been officially named the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–2027, putting Pakistan’s historic cultural centre in the spotlight across the organisation’s member states.

The designation was announced during the 26th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on September 1, 2026. The official SCO statement confirmed Lahore’s new status as Pakistan assumed the SCO chairmanship for 2026–27.

Lahore Takes Centre Stage in Regional Tourism

The SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital programme is designed to promote tourism, cultural exchange and people-to-people connections among member states. The title has been rotated among SCO cities since 2022.

Previous cities to hold the designation include Varanasi in India, Almaty in Kazakhstan, Qingdao in China and Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan. Lahore will now represent Pakistan during the 2026–27 cycle.

The official SCO had already recorded support for Lahore's candidacy during its April 2026 meeting of heads of tourism administrations in Bishkek. The September summit formally confirmed the city's status.

Why the Designation Matters for Lahore

Lahore is one of Pakistan’s most important cultural and tourism destinations, known for its historic architecture, museums, food culture and major heritage attractions.

The new SCO designation provides an opportunity to increase Lahore’s visibility among travellers from countries participating in the organisation. It can also encourage greater cultural cooperation, tourism events and international engagement involving Pakistan.

For travellers planning domestic or international trips through Pakistan, the development places additional attention on Lahore as a destination for cultural and heritage tourism.

Pakistan Begins SCO Chairmanship

Pakistan has assumed the SCO chairmanship for the 2026–27 period. According to the SCO, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif outlined the theme of Pakistan’s chairmanship as “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.”

Tourism was among the areas discussed during the Bishkek summit, alongside trade, investment, energy, technology, environmental cooperation and regional connectivity. The SCO said 28 documents were approved at the meeting.

The tourism designation therefore comes as part of a wider period of regional cooperation for Pakistan.

What It Could Mean for Travellers

The recognition could create additional opportunities for Lahore tourism throughout the 2026–27 period, particularly through cultural events, tourism promotion and increased regional visibility.

Travellers interested in exploring Pakistan can consider Lahore for heritage-focused trips featuring historic landmarks, traditional cuisine, cultural experiences and nearby attractions.

For people planning trips from Lahore, the city also remains an important starting point for domestic and international travel. Tour packages and flight options can be planned according to the destination, travel dates and budget.

GoTravel.pk provides travel services including flights and tour packages from Pakistan, allowing travellers to explore available options when planning journeys to Lahore and other destinations.

Lahore Tourism Outlook for 2026–27

Being selected as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital gives Lahore an important international tourism platform during the coming year.

The designation is expected to strengthen attention on Lahore’s cultural heritage while supporting wider efforts to promote tourism and connections between SCO member countries. The impact will depend on the tourism activities and cultural programmes developed during Pakistan’s SCO chairmanship.

For Pakistan’s travel industry, the recognition also provides a timely opportunity to promote Lahore alongside other major destinations and encourage travellers to explore the country's cultural and historical attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has Lahore been named the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital?

Lahore has been selected as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–27 as part of the organisation’s programme to promote tourism, cultural exchange and people-to-people connections among member states.

When will Lahore hold the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital title?

Lahore will hold the designation for the 2026–2027 period.

Where was Lahore's designation announced?

The designation was announced during the 26th SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on September 1, 2026.

What is the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital programme?

It is an SCO initiative that highlights selected cities and promotes tourism, cultural heritage and people-to-people contacts among member countries.

Is Lahore a good destination for cultural tourism?

Yes. Lahore is one of Pakistan’s major cultural and heritage destinations, offering historic architecture, museums, traditional cuisine and numerous cultural attractions.

Can I book a Lahore tour package through GoTravel.pk?

GoTravel.pk offers travel and tour services from Pakistan. Travellers can check available Lahore and other Pakistan travel options according to their preferred dates and requirements.