Key resorts to get tourism makeover

Plans aim to develop Naran, Kaghan into world-class destinations

ABBOTTABAD:

The Department of Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Museums, Government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, reviewed progress on the master planning of key tourist resorts in the Hazara Division — particularly Naran, Kaghan and Batakundi — renowned for their scenic valleys, verdant meadows and crystal-clear lakes.

The planning exercise also encompasses major tourist destinations in Swat, including Madiyan, Bahrain, Kalam, Mahudand and Mankiyal. The high-level meeting, chaired by Dr Abdul Samad, Secretary for Culture, Tourism, Archaeology, and Museums, was attended by the Director Generals of the Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) and Galiyat Development Authority (GDA), as well as senior officials and representatives of the consulting firms engaged in the master-planning process.

Consultants briefed participants on the progress of the Integrated Master Plans, covering site surveys, land-use assessments, infrastructure proposals, and eco-friendly tourism models designed to promote sustainable and community-centred tourism development.

Dr Abdul Samad commended the progress achieved thus far and stressed the importance of the timely completion of the final reports. He noted that the master plans would serve as blueprints for transforming the resorts of Naran, Kaghan, Batakundi, and Swat into world-class tourist destinations, generating employment and fostering responsible tourism.