Domestic tourism industry roaring: PTDC MD

Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Managing Director (MD) Mir Shahjahan Khetran said on Tuesday while talking to the media that despite the international media’s projection of a negative image of Pakistan, the PTDC achieved its targets to promote domestic tourism.

Tourist traffic to Murree, Galiat, Ayubia, Kaghan and Swat valley 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, he said.

He said PTDC has launched its summer tour packages again and announced special rates for its hotels, motels and resorts situated in the most attractive tourist destinations in the country.

The MD said that PTDC would also welcome the development and operation of tourism projects in different parts of Pakistan under a public-private partnership programme.

“To promote Pakistan’s tourism industry and create a positive image of the country internationally, PTDC participated in the United Nations World Trade Organisation (UNWTO) Conference, World Islamic Tourism Mart in Malaysia, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Tour Operators Conclave in India and the SAARC Travel and Tourism Mart in Bangladesh” he informed.

To a question, he said that during 2010, Pakistan received 906,818 foreign tourists and earned US$ 306 million from tourism. Over 200,000 visitors to Pakistan were from South Asia, forming 22.5% of the total arrivals.

The PTDC MD announced a 30% discount on accommodation in its Ayubia and Naran Resorts during the holy month of Ramadan. Further, around 50% discount is being offered on accommodation during Ramadan in PTDC Motels at Saidu Sharif, Miandam, Chitral, Bamburet (Kalash Valley), Mastuj, Phandar, Gupis, Gilgit, Hunza, Sost (Pak-China border), Rama Lake, Skardu, Khaplu and Besham.

He added that for the past two years, SwatValley has remained peaceful and with the local administration and security agencies’ efforts, life in Swat has returned to normal.

The valley’s improved law and order situation has positively affected the tourism industry and Pakistani tourists are now rediscovering the beauties Swat boasts of.