Update (Jan 25, 2021): In a bid to boost tourism in the province, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture & Tourism Authority (TCKP) has introduced its first-ever toll-free tourist helpline 1422. Known as the ‘Tourist Facilitation Hub,’ this 24/7 service will provide weather updates as well information about traffic, tourist spots, nearby attractions, available utilities, and emergency response services to domestic and international tourists alike.
As per the major news outlets, TCKP is currently running the helpline on a trial basis.
It is also worth mentioning that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attracted a vast number of tourists in the second half of 2020. The stats released by the tourism authority shows approximately 2,681,000 travellers visited the province between August 13 and October 31 last year.
Continuing its efforts to boost tourism in Pakistan, the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reportedly finalized the draft of a new law that will establish all-encompassing tourism and cultural authority.
According to a report published by a local English daily, the new law will merge all existing tourism departments and bodies, especially those run by K-P Tourism Cooperation, into K-P Culture and Tourism Authority. Once created, it will oversee the maintenance of cultural heritage sites and historical places in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regulate tourist activity and manage various tourism service providers as well as the special tourism police force.
The news about the new tourism law comes right after the government introduced the first-ever thermally insulated, dome-shaped camping pods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Earlier this year, the provincial government also launched a mobile app named ‘KPTourism’ to promote tourist places in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
As per the report, the draft law visions the establishment of an 11-member board that will propose a five-year strategy for the K-P Culture and Tourism Authority. This board, which will be created for the sole purpose of promoting tourism in Pakistan, will reportedly include the minister of tourism, minister of environment, minister of finance, director-general of tourism, chief secretary and secretaries tourism and environment ministry along with three personnel from the private sector who have expertise in the field. Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan will head the board.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will serve as the chairman of the new tourism authority. He, along with a director-general, will oversee the day-to-day operations.
Given the fact that tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen significant growth in the past few years, this move is expected to attract more visitors.
What Purpose Will the K-P Culture and Tourism Authority Serve?
These are some of the objectives of the new authority for tourism development in KP, according to the English daily.
- Introducing new tourism-related projects
- Regulation of tourism service providers
- Preserving wildlife and biodiversity
- Developing tourist facilities
- Maintaining a tourism police force
- Implementing penalties for violating the law
- Creation of a separate tourism fund
Let’s discuss the aims of the K-P Culture and Tourism Authority as per the draft law.
New Tourism Projects
The main functions of the K-P Culture and Tourism Authority will include preserving and promoting major historical and cultural tourist attractions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As the draft law suggests, the authority will plan and host different festivals to attract more tourists as well as introduce more tourism projects.
Since there is no shortage of beautiful places to visit in the province and in areas beyond, such programs can play a huge part in boosting tourism in Pakistan.
Regulation of Tourism Service Providers
Another important function of the new tourism authority will be to regulate various service providers and products in the regions.
In order to make sure proper facilities are being provided to the tourists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the K-P Culture and Tourism Authority will work on the registration and licensing of hotels, tour operators and other activity providers in their respective tourism zones.
The new tourism body will also propose measures to promote sustainable tourism in the region.
Preserving Wildlife and Biodiversity
Owing to the country’s different climatic and geographical features, the wildlife in Pakistan is quiet is diverse. However, a number of factors including deforestation and pollution are adversely affecting biodiversity in the region, which is alarming, to say the least.
In order to tackle these problems, the new tourism authority also aims to work towards maintaining and preserving forests in the tourism zones.
It is important to mention that deforestation is one of the leading environmental issues plaguing Pakistan.
Developing Tourism Facilities
In order to boost tourism in Pakistan, the K-P Cultural and Tourism Authority will also develop more facilities. This includes building more resorts and hotels in tourism zones along with organizing different activities and projects to attract travellers.
Maintaining a Tourism Police Force
To ensure the safety of tourists, the K-P Culture and Tourism Authority will train a special tourism police wing. This police force will comprise exclusively recruited offices who will promote tourism in Pakistan by helping travellers with transportation, security issues as well as providing other facilities in designated zones.
Furthermore, they will also be allowed to make arrests, if needed.
Penalties for the Violation of Law
The draft law suggests strict punishment for those who violate its codes. For instance, the penalty for violation of land use regulations in designated tourism zones includes a fine of PKR 50 lakh along with a six-month prison sentence without bail.
Those caught littering and polluting will have to pay a fine of PKR 5 lakh along with spending three months in jail.
Creation of a Separate Tourism Fund
This is perhaps the most important provision of the draft law.
The revenue generated by the provincial government through licensing of tourism service providers, renting properties and the amount received through donations will all go to a separate fund. Moreover, the fund will also receive money through the allocation of development and operation grants in the province.
Please note that this post will be updated as more details about the creation of the K-P Culture and Tourism Authority are released.
The northern areas of Pakistan are a haven for nature lovers. From the majestic snow-covered mountain peaks to lush green meadows filled with flowers and enchanting blue lakes, there is no shortage of tourist destinations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Although a record number of tourists have begun visiting these picturesque locations in recent years, a large number of scenic valleys and lakes remain unexplored.
If you’re planning to go on a trip, make sure to read through our list of dos and don’ts of visiting the northern areas of Pakistan. For those who love adventure and exploring new places, here’s our pick of some of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Pakistan you probably haven’t heard about.
For more information about tourism in Pakistan, head over to Zameen Blog, the leading lifestyle blog in Pakistan. Also, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest updates about lifestyle, tourism and real estate in the country. If you want to share your suggestions or ask a question, send us an email at blog@zameen.com.
