Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Managing Director (MD) Kabir Ahmad Khan said on Friday that a comprehensive security plan has been made to promote the sense of protection among the domestic and foreign tourists.
The MD said that on the directions of the Prime Minister, PTDC has decided to initiate certain steps to facilitate tourists and enhance the revenue generation of the corporation by taking initiatives of security provision.
“The step will help make the PTDC a self-sustaining organisation,” he added.
Ch Kabir Ahmad Khan said that despite the unfortunate attack at Nanga Parbat base camp, more than 25 per cent increase in tourism was witnessed. He also stated that PTDC has re-launched its summer tour packages and announced special rates for hotels, motels and resorts situated in the most tourist-attractive places in the country.
He added that PTDC has also started bus services, escorted with armed guards, to Naran.
“Despite the negative media projection by the international media, PTDC achieved its targets to promote domestic tourism from March to June”, Kabir added.
He said that PTDC has increased security at all resorts including Murree, Galiyat, Ayubia, Kaghan, Swat Chitral, Kalash, Shandur.
“Elaborate measures were being taken to provide security to the foreign tourists visiting different parts of the country” he added. Khan further informed that current government was making earnest efforts to promote tourism sector and to reinstate the soft image of the country across the globe.
The provincial governments and concerned district management was in a close contact to PTDC to ensure the security to the tourists, he said.
The MD said in first step PTDC will introduce in near future Tourism Friends Club Card for Overseas Pakistani Tourists. Through this card, PTDC would provide incentives like discount on room rent of PTDC motels and hotels, tour packages and transport services to tourists, he said.