Peshawar: Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) for Tourism, Culture, Sports, Archaeology and Youth Affairs Atif Khan on Tuesday announced the provincial government’s plan to offer support to the residents of Swat, Chitral and Hazara in their attempts to modify their homes — in order to accommodate tourists travelling around the region, according to news sources. As per the publication, this decision was prompted by the United States-based award-winning luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller’s decision to rank Pakistan as the best tourist destinations in the world.
Minster Khan publicized this decision while attending an event aimed at promoting tourism and supporting the youth population of the newly-merged tribes. He revealed that as part of the proposal, the locals would receive monetary support from the government, in the form of loans or grants of up to PKR 1 million. These funds could then be used to spruce up the homes of the local residents, and ensure that they are equipped with the necessary facilities to provide adequate accommodation to tourists.
The government has already identified 14 tourist destinations for this purpose, as they expect to experience an influx of tourists in the region soon. PKR 5 billion has been allocated for the construction of roads that will help make these selected locations more accessible to travelers and vacationers.
Additionally, the minster stated that four tourism zones are also being established in the province to offer world-class services to tourists. He added that the tourism department had approved funds of PKR 9 billion for the promotion of tourism in the newly merged tribal districts, and another PKR 2 billion for the construction of various development schemes in the area.
He went on to state that a programme worth PKR 3 billion was also on the cards, and was aimed at helping the youth population of the newly merged tribes in securing employment.
Hazafa reveres the art of writing and has been turned into a property enthusiast by profession. Her daily survival kit includes; tea, coffee, keyboard and paperbacks.
