Cultural show to mark Tourism Day
A view of the historical Shalamar Gardens. PHOTO: FILE
Punjab Youth Affairs, Sports, Archaeology and Tourism (YASAT) Department has planned to organise a special cultural show and other tourism-friendly programmes at the Shalamar Gardens on the eve of International Tourism Day.
Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar will be invited as the chief guest of the ceremony.
Adviser to the Chief Minister on Tourism and Archaeology Asif Mahmood visited the Shalamar Gardens and reviewed the arrangements undertaken by the authorities.
Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP) Director General (DG) Muhammad Tanveer Jabbar and Archaeology DG Muhammad Ilyas Gill briefed him about the details of the planned programmes for September 27.
Asif Mahmood pledged that the government would make the historical sites a source of revenue generation and develop them as tourist spots.
“Promotion of tourism is the focus of the chief minister of Punjab. We are not only developing new tourist destinations but also planning to provide maximum facilities at the current tourist attractions,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, he revealed that international food service providers will be encouraged to open franchises in Shalamar Garden to attract more visitors.
“However, the final decision will be made in the light of advice given by archaeological experts.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2020.