Lahore named SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27
The decision was announced during the 26th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of State in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also attended the meeting.
Pakistan holds SCO presidency
The Tourism and Cultural Capital title is given to a different SCO member country each year. It aims to showcase a city that represents the cultural heritage of the country holding the organisation’s rotating presidency.
Pakistan assumed the SCO presidency this year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif set the theme of Pakistan’s chairmanship as ‘Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity’.
Lahore joins list of major cities
Several cities have previously received the Tourism and Cultural Capital title. These include Varanasi in India for 2022-23, Almaty in Kazakhstan for 2023-24, Qingdao in China for 2024-25 and Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan for 2025-26.
The decision to select Lahore was taken in April when tourism officials from SCO member states met in Bishkek. The latest announcement formally confirms Lahore’s status for the 2026-27 period.
Focus on tourism and cultural links
The designation is intended to encourage tourism and stronger people-to-people connections among SCO member states. Lahore’s historic sites, cultural traditions and rich heritage could help attract greater attention from visitors across the region.
The recognition also gives Pakistan an opportunity to promote Lahore as a major cultural and tourism destination. It could support greater cultural exchanges and cooperation between SCO countries.
Lahore’s selection puts one of Pakistan’s most historic cities in the regional spotlight. The title could create new opportunities to promote its heritage and tourism potential.
The bigger challenge will be turning the recognition into lasting benefits. Better facilities, tourism services and promotion could help Lahore make the most of its new international status.
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