KPCTA undertakes initiatives to promote tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

PESHAWAR   –  The Khyber Pakh­tunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) is undertaking various initiatives and projects at dif­ferent tourist destinations across the province on a priority basis to promote tourism in line with the vi­sion of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Spe­cial Assistant to the CM for Tourism and Culture Ma­lik Adeel Iqbal.

This was stated by Director General of the Khy­ber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) Shahid Khan during a meeting with Pesha­war Press Club President M Riaz and members of the Press Club cabinet at his office. Various matters per­taining to tourism development and the role of the media in promoting tourism were discussed during the meeting.

The DG said that new camping pods were being in­stalled at AcharSar in Shangla, Laram Top in Lower Dir, and Bayun in Upper Swat, which would be made available to tourists during the upcoming tourism season. He said that the cooperation of the media was essential for promoting safe and sustainable tourism, as awareness among tourists and the general public could be effectively created through media platforms.

He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was blessed with im­mense natural beauty and that the Tourism Authori­ty was working to create new tourism opportunities while ensuring a safe and sustainable environment for visitors. Regarding the Maizban (Communi­ty-Based Accommodation) Programme, the DG said that 91 individuals had so far been provided inter­est-free loans, while 25 beneficiaries had already completed their tourist guesthouses. Under the initi­ative, local residents are establishing homestay facili­ties by utilizing two existing rooms in their houses or constructing new rooms for tourists. He said the pro­ject would not only provide employment opportuni­ties for local youth but also generate jobs for other members of local communities.

A total of 1,697 applications were received under the programme, of which 1,521 were found eligible and taken up for further scrutiny. Following the scru­tiny process, 130 applications were approved, while, in the first phase, 91 beneficiaries were provided in­terest-free loans amounting to Rs. 122 million by the provincial government.