Facilitation camps set up for tourists in Galiyat

Staff available for 24 hours to provide guidance

ISLAMABAD:

The Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) has set up as many as ten camps to facilitate tourists coming to the beautiful valleys amid sporadic snowfall, blanketing the mountains of the region, GDA official Ahsan Hameed shared on Wednesday. "The camps are set up along the Galiyat route, starting from Harno and culminating at Barian," he added.

He said that the initiative was aimed at providing help to tourists who get stuck in the snow on their way to the various valleys. Elaborating on the facilities made available at the camps, the official mentioned that two staffers have been deputed at each camp, equipped with first aid, walkie-talkie, chains and other necessary equipment. The staff is available for 24 hours for help and guidance, he added.

Hameed maintained that all available resources are being utilised to facilitate the tourists coming to visit the scenic valleys of Galiyat from various parts of the country. He said the GDA had issued a travel advisory to warn the tourists and locals about slippery roads. He urged them to travel during the day and use chains to tread on snow.

The official further advised that it is imperative for tourists to check their vehicles and fill their fuel tanks prior to embarking on a Galiyat tour. He mentioned that the GDA director general has directed all officials concerned to remain in the field so as to facilitate the tourists and locals in the area.

The resort has broken all records with regard to drawing tourists as the valley attracted 90 per cent of all local tourists during the current winter season, he noted.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2021.