ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is seeking private investment to modernise Islamabad’s hospitality sector ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in August 2027, with plans to improve infrastructure, accommodation facilities and service standards in the federal capital.
CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf discussed the city’s hospitality requirements with leading investors, property developers and international hotel representatives during a meeting at CDA Headquarters.
The discussions focused on upgrading existing hotels, attracting investment in modern hospitality facilities and improving accommodation standards for international delegations expected to attend the summit.
Representatives of major hotel chains, including Marriott, Serena, Mövenpick, Best Western and Ramada, attended the meeting alongside investors and developers from the hospitality and real estate sectors.
Tim Paul Ducommun, ACCOR Group’s Director of Development for the Asian region, also participated in the discussions, highlighting the involvement of international hospitality operators in Islamabad’s development plans.
CDA seeks private investment in Islamabad’s hospitality sector
Speaking at the meeting, Sohail Ashraf said Islamabad had considerable potential for hospitality investment, particularly as the city continued to attract business visitors and tourists.
He emphasised the need to modernise hotel infrastructure and improve services to meet international standards, especially ahead of major diplomatic gatherings.
The CDA chairman assured investors that the authority would facilitate private sector participation in hospitality development and support initiatives aimed at improving accommodation facilities across the capital.
Ashraf said the authority would utilise available resources to strengthen Islamabad’s readiness for international events, with preparations for the SCO Summit 2027 among its priorities.
International hotel operators discuss development opportunities
During the meeting, ACCOR Group representative Tim Paul Ducommun appreciated CDA’s efforts to make Islamabad more attractive for business and tourism.
The discussions also explored closer cooperation between the civic authority, hotel operators, investors and property developers to improve hospitality infrastructure and services.
With Islamabad scheduled to host the SCO Summit in August 2027, the proposed improvements are intended to strengthen the city’s capacity to accommodate visiting delegations and meet the requirements of large international gatherings.
The meeting did not announce specific hotel projects, investment commitments or completion deadlines.
CDA maintained that continued engagement with the private sector would be important in developing Islamabad’s hospitality industry and strengthening its position as a destination for international business, tourism and diplomatic events.