Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Managing Director Mir Shahjahan Khetran on Friday said that PTDC was expecting 20 percent increase in domestic tourism during current season.
In an interview with APP, he said despite negative media projection by the international media, PTDC achieved its targets to promote domestic tourism during last season.
Tourist traffic to Murree, Galiyat, Ayubia, Kaghan and Swat valley have considerably increased during 2011 and 2012, while Pakistani tourists are now visiting new destinations like Gilgit, Hunza, Fairy Meadows, Rama Lake, Chitral,Kalash and Shandur valleys as well.
He said PTDC has re-launched summer tour packages and announced special rates for its hotels, motels and resorts situated in most attractive tourists place in the country.
The MD said that PTDC will also welcome development and operation of tourism projects in different parts of the country under a public private partnership programme.
To a question, he said PTDC has started its bus service for Naran to give an opportunity to people who want to enjoy summer vacations at hilly areas with their families.
Miandam, Bahrain and Kalam remained the most favorite destinations for tourists visiting Swat Valley, he said PTDC Motel at Saidu Sharif and Miandam are fully functional and offering homely environment for the visitors.
PTDC’s Motel/Resort at Naran has already been opened from May 15 and booked until July 22, he informed.
To a question, he said during 2010, Pakistan received 906,818 foreign tourists and earned $306 million from tourism. Over 200,000 visitors to Pakistan were from South Asian Region forming 22.5% of the total arrivals.
The PTDC MD announced 30% discount on accommodation in its Ayubia and Naran Resorts during the holy month of Ramazan.
To a question, he said no tourists are stranded anywhere in the country but if any such incident happens, local administration and army can be called for help.
