Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Minister for Tourism, Culture, Sports, Archaeology and Youth Affairs Atif Khan announced that new tourism integrated zones are being established in the province to promote the industry, a news source reported. More than 20 new tourist destinations have already been identified in KP and will be converted into tourism integrated zones.
The government of KP is making various efforts to use the tourism sector for revenue-generation, and improve the socioeconomic conditions of the locals, the minister added. Religious and adventure tourism events have already been launched that attracted numerous foreign tourists.
He urged the private sector to aid the government’s efforts in promoting tourism in KP to the international community. The province has an abundance of natural resources, which have made it popular among local and international tourists already. If the industry is developed along modern lines, it could help improve the financial situation of the province greatly.
Khan said that the provincial government is attempting develop tourism in the newly merged tribal districts as well. Tourism zones are to be established in these areas, and services of international standards will be made available here, including hotels and recreational facilities. This will help the province as a whole, but specifically create a healthier atmosphere in the tribal districts. The locals will be provided with new opportunities to generate livelihoods.
