Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZs) will change Pakhtunkhwa’s tourism landscape. Here’s how

According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senior Minister, Muhammad Atif Khan, the Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZs) will change the tourism landscape in the province. Khan is the Minister for Tourism, Sports, Archaeology, Museums, Culture and Youth Affairs.

“We have finalized the plan and are bidding for Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZs) at five different places of the province including two places Mankyal in Swat Valley, Thandiani in Abbottabad, Madaklasht in Chitral and Ghanool in Mansehra for introducing the automation in the tourism sector,” he said while talking to APP.

The senior minister said through a modern form of tourism, they will preserve local culture and ecology to attract foreign and local tourists. The provincial government wants to implement the best international practices in these ITZs by providing the luxury of one window operations to attract tourists.

20 new tourist spots to be restored and modernized:

Atif said more than 20 tourist spots have been taken noticed in the province, which would be converted into tourist zones. These tourist spots will also be developed along modern lines, to make KP a center of tourism for local and foreign tourists.

While answering a query, the minister said that ITZs would also generate economic activity for increasing job opportunities in the province. He said KP’s provincial government will celebrate the year 2020 as the ‘year of tourism’.

“We would be providing all international standard facilities to tourist zones, including hotels, hospitals, filling stations, green belts, sports grounds, jeep tracks and other facilities related to tourism activities,” the senior minister said.

He said that the world now agreed to the fact that Pakistan, particularly KP, was a safe place for tourism, and also the best place, due to the consistent efforts made by the provincial government.
Steps will be taken to promote eco-tourism to turn Prime Minister’s vision into a reality.

The tourist zones will extend to the newly merged tribal districts to create a healthy atmosphere, and also generate livelihood opportunities there.

A favorable environment will also be created for the investment in three tourist sites of the province, including Kumrat in Upper Dir, Kalam in Swat Valley and Chitral district.

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