Karim Ullah
CHITRAL: Regular air connectivity between Islamabad and Chitral is set to resume after a gap of several years, with Bejaan Resorts and South Air entering into a strategic partnership to work towards operating five weekly flights on the route.
The initiative is aimed at reconnecting Chitral with other parts of the country by air and is expected to provide a major boost to tourism, local businesses, employment and sustainable economic activity in the region.
Under the partnership, Bejaan Resorts and South Air will work towards establishing regular flights between Islamabad and Chitral five days a week, improving accessibility for tourists, business travellers and local residents.
Bejaan Resorts founder Anwar Aman said the company’s vision extended beyond developing a resort and focused on helping establish Chitral as a complete tourism destination.
“Our vision has never been limited to building a resort. We want to play our part in developing Chitral as a complete tourism destination,” Aman said. “Reliable air connectivity is one of the most important foundations for turning this vision into reality.”
He said the partnership with South Air would make Chitral more accessible to tourists from across Pakistan and, eventually, international visitors.
Aman added that improved air connectivity could benefit hotels, restaurants, tour operators, guides, local artisans, small businesses and communities across Chitral.
“Tourism succeeds when the entire region benefits from it,” he said, stressing that better connectivity could help create new economic opportunities while supporting responsible and sustainable tourism.
South Air Chief Executive Officer Nishat Fatima said the airline’s vision was to improve connectivity to communities and tourist destinations where better air links were needed.
“Chitral is one of Pakistan’s most unique and beautiful tourist destinations,” she said, adding that South Air looked forward to working with Beejan Resorts to improve air connectivity and highlight the region’s tourism potential.
The partnership is also linked to Bejaan Resorts’ plans for a 104-room luxury resort in Chitral. The project is being designed around the area’s natural environment, cultural identity, sustainability and international hospitality standards.
The proposed resort will feature seven Governor Suites, two Presidential Suites, 71 Executive Rooms and 24 Twin Rooms. Each room and suite will have a private balcony offering views of Chitral’s surrounding mountain landscape.
The development will also include a banquet hall with a capacity of more than 500 guests, business and meeting facilities, a health club, panoramic infinity pool, river rafting and guided nature experiences.
The partners say the initiative is intended to make Chitral easier to access, strengthen its position as a prominent tourism destination and create new opportunities for sustainable tourism and economic development.
The proposed service would mark a significant improvement in connectivity for the region, where direct scheduled flights have not been readily available in current flight schedules.
Related:
Work on five-star Bejaan Hotel begins
Newly-Launched South Air to Operate flights to Chitral