Lahore named SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27

Lahore has been chosen as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27, placing the Pakistani city at the centre of the bloc’s efforts to strengthen tourism and cultural exchanges.

The announcement came during the 26th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Bishkek, attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan is holding the SCO presidency this year under the theme “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.”

The Lahore Fort built by Mughal Emperor, Akbar between 1556–1605. Photo: Airknight/Wikipedia

The Tourism and Cultural Capital designation is awarded on a rotating basis each year to a city representing the cultural heritage of the country holding the organization’s presidency. The initiative, introduced in 2022, aims to encourage tourism and greater people-to-people interaction among SCO members.

Lahore’s selection was formally decided in April during a meeting of tourism administration chiefs from SCO member states in Bishkek.

Badshahi Mosque, built by the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb in 1671. Photo: Ali Imran/Wikimedia

The Pakistani city joins a list of previous titleholders that includes Varanasi, India, for 2022-23; Almaty, Kazakhstan, for 2023-24; Qingdao, China, for 2024-25; and Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, for 2025-26.

The designation is expected to provide Lahore with greater visibility as a cultural and tourism destination while supporting closer ties among SCO countries.