Islamabad, Aug 10 - Japan, from where 12,000 to 14,000 visitors annually come to this country, is to help Pakistan upgrade its tourist destinations and archaeological sites to promote tourism between the two countries, it was announced here Monday.

The decision was taken at a meeting here between Tourism Minister Maulana Atta-ur- Rahman and Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Chihiro Atsumi.

The minister apprised the envoy of the areas in which Japan could either assist Pakistan or enter joint ventures to promote tourism, APP news agency reported, without mentioning specifics.

Atta-ur-Rahman also proposed that Pakistan and Japan exchange expertise on training facilities on tourism.