Efforts underway to maximize benefits from tourism: CM

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is set to become a tourist hub of Pakistan and all-out efforts are underway to maximize the benefits from the tourism sector this year.

Chairing the fourth meeting of the task force on tourism, he issued instructions to all concerned departments to take initiatives aimed not only at maximizing the inflow of tourists but also ensuring that they are properly facilitated at every level.

The chief minister said the district administrations in collaboration with the local authorities and TMAs shall ensure proper waste disposal and cleanliness in the touristic valleys of Galyat, Naran, Kalam and Chitral so as to keep the local environment clean and green.

The chief minister also directed the health department to ensure availability of doctors and medicine in all BHUs and RHCs along with provision of mobile health facilities in the touristic valleys of Abbottabad, Manshera, Swat and Chitral in the forthcoming summer.

He was informed that previously tourists were hesitant to visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to lack of government arrangements and facilities. In comparison, last year witnessed huge influx of tourists who thronged the scenic valleys of the province owing to extended facilitation of visitors by concerned departments.

This year, the tourism department intends to provide all out facilitation to attract maximum number of tourists in the forthcoming summer.

The meeting was informed that in order to provide special security to the visiting tourists, tourist police would be deployed in tourist spots. The police will not only help in providing security but will also help in facilitating the incoming visitors.

The deployment of police is expected to start after Eidul Fitr in Naran, Kalam and Chitral valleys.