ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has launched a number of discounted tour packages for groups, families and students.
A PTDC official said the corporation has set up accommodation facilities at famous tourist spots such as Rama Lake, Phandar Lake, Gupis, Mastuj, Bunni, Bumburet (Kalash Valley) of Chitral and Khaplu in Gilgit-Baltistan, while tourist coach services to Swat and Kaghan Valley will resume from June 1.
“From a modest beginning of 10 units in 1976, PTDC motels have now expanded their boarding, lodging and restaurant facilities to cover 43 remote tourist destinations across the country,” he said. Private parties have leased out 14 motels, while the remaining units are operated by PTDC itself.
In line with the government’s tourism development strategy, PTDC motels were constructed to meet two primary objectives; to open up new areas for tourism and set the pace for the private sector to follow, and to initiate socio-economic development of the area.
The motels have been pioneers in introducing tourism to remote locations, thus bringing infrastructure facilities like roads, water, electricity and telephones, and employment opportunities to the local communities. In addition to 18 tourist information centers in major cities, they have also set up a website, www.tourism.gov.pk.
With temperatures in the central and southern part of the country continuing to rise with every passing day, the pleasant regions of Murree, Ayubia, Nathiagali, Azad Kashmir, Kaghan, Swat, Chitral, Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu offer the ideal escape from the blistering heat of summer.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 8th, 2011.
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