More than one million tourists visited northern areas of Pakistan this season

Growth of 25% witnessed during current season, says official

ISLAMABAD: More than one million tourists, locals and foreigners, visited the northern areas during the current season, said Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Policy and Promotion Manager Mukhtar Ali.

"The growth in tourists visiting these areas increased by 25% as compared to last year due to measures taken by the government to improve law and order situation in those areas," he said.



Pakistan has great potential for adventure tourism, said Ali, adding that the country has the world's highest mountains that are a great attraction.

He said that the country has the distinction of having five peaks above 8,000 meters each, including the second loftiest mountain, K-2.

Pakistan also has the largest glaciers on the globe outside the polar region, which offers tremendous attraction for adventurers.



The manager revealed that the PTDC planned to further streamline facilities for tourists in various destinations and was in consultations with provinces to devise a joint strategy to improve the sector.

He said that it was a good sign that the people are visiting tourists' points without security especially Naran, Ayubia, Swat, Gilgit and Skardu. Responding to a question, he said the PTDC has a chain of 39 motels and three restaurants, which are providing the best facilities to tourists. "We are providing international level boarding and lodging facilities," Ali added.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2016.

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