K-P sets new record for tourist influx
A view of a traffic gridlock on Shahrah-e-Kaghan. PHOTO: FILE
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourism in 2023, with a staggering 16 million visitors exploring various picturesque destinations throughout the year. This milestone sets a new record for tourist influx in the region.
Official data released by the Department of Tourism reveals the popularity of key attractions, with over 3.5 million tourists flocking to Malam Jabba, 6.3 to Galiyat, and 5 million to Kaghan Valley. Notably, Upper Dir hosted 1.3 million tourists, while Upper Chitral and Lower Chitral saw 38,771 and 591,330 visitors, respectively.
The reported figures encompass both domestic and foreign tourists. The comprehensive data was collected under the oversight of the World Bank’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism (KITE) Centres Project 1422.
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The positive trend in 2023 marks a significant recovery for the tourism industry, which faced substantial damage last year due to floods affecting Kaghan Valley and Swat Valley. The notable increase in tourist footfall suggests the province’s immense potential as a preferred destination for leisure and sightseeing. Despite the overall success, certain areas within Kaghan Valley remain inaccessible to tourists due to the absence of connecting roads. One such gem, the enchanting Bhonja Valley, remains off-limits to visitors. The ongoing issue of inadequate road infrastructure poses a challenge, restricting access to popular sites such as Lake Saif-ul-Muluk, Sri Paye, and others. Tourists seeking the scenic beauty of Sri Paya, Shogran, and Naran face challenges accessing these locations via personal vehicles, primarily due to the deplorable condition of roads leading to Lake Saif-ul-Muluk and Sri Paye. With additional input from APP
Published in The Express Tribune, December 31st, 2023