3 Integrated Tourism Zones approved to promote tourism in KP

To promote tourism in the province, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) government has approved 3 Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZ) namely, ITZ Ganool, ITZ Mankiyal and ITZ Madaklasht, with an estimated cost of Rs 12.2 billion. Out of these three tourism zones, the ITZ Ga­nool, covering an area of 60 acres, will be developed at an estimat­ed cost of Rs 5.5 billion having nearby attractions like Saif-ul-Ma­luk Lake, Dudi Patsar Lake, Payala Lake, Shogran, Siri Pai and Kaghan valley. The Integrated Tourism Zones will provide world-class lodging, restaurants, winter sports and other recre­ational activities and would also promote various elements of lo­cal culture and the natural beau­ties of our scenic sites.

The tourism industry of Pakistan is considered one of the significant industries to promote the country’s economic growth. It accounts directly for 2.8% of GDP and 7% of GDP including related industries. The sector provides 1.4 million direct jobs and 3.6 million jobs including related industries.

Globally, the country’s tourism industry gained immense importance and was ranked the top holiday destination in the year 2020. Furthermore, Pakistan’s share of foreign tourists to South Asia is around 17.5 million. In the Travel and Tourism Index, Pakistan ranked 121 out of 140 countries. Fortunately, the country is blessed with ample tourist destinations including religious and cultural sites where a large number of tourists visit from across the world. In Pakistan, the most known tourist attractions belong to its northern region which is famous for its peaks, glaciers, lakes, and forests.

The provincial government is making every possible effort to develop the tourism in­dustry by improving the existing tourism infrastructure and ex­ploiting new tourist sites in the province. In this regard, the concerned authorities have taken multiple steps to catalyse the development of sustain­able tourism thereby ensuring the socio-economic growth of the province. Presently, the KPK government is working under a realistic strategy to benefit from the tourism potential of the province and make it the base of economic development and self-sustainability.