North Waziristan, distinguished by its beauty and allure, stands out among other regions in the country for its unique cultural and historical significance.
A multitude of tourist attractions awaits visitors in places like Shawal, Datta Khel, Ismail Khel, Spara Gher, Mana, Dadum, Razmak, Darya e Tochi, and Kund Ghar, offering a rich blend of cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes.
This newfound emphasis on tourism in North Waziristan is not only a boon for the region’s development but also promises to contribute positively to the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.
The Pakistan Army, acting as a catalyst for change, is actively leveraging its resources to promote tourism, echoing its commitment to the well-being of the local populace.
Islamabad International Airport now offers free massage chair facility for passengers
Flyers waiting for their aircraft at one of the airports in Pakistan can now enjoy the therapy facility and that too without spending a penny.
The Islamabad International Airport now offers free massage chair facility to the flyers as they await their aircraft.
The service is available in domestic and international departure lounges so that the passengers can relax while their departure formalities are sorted out.
The facility is set to assist the elderly and patients who are uncomfortable waiting at the airport while sitting on regular benches or chairs.
The short therapy would help flyers avoid a bit of jet lag, especially for those headed to long distance destinations.
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Lahore airport imposes new domestic flight charge
Travelers departing on domestic flights from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport will face a new airport charge effective from January. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced a mandatory Rs 100 fee, payable by passengers and collected by airlines. This new directive, communicated via a recent notification, aims to streamline operations and enhance services within the country’s aviation sector. The additional charge will contribute towards airport maintenance, upgrades, and potentially improved passenger amenities. Airlines operating domestic flights from Lahore are responsible for collecting the Rs 100 fee from each departing passenger. Passengers are advised to factor this additional cost into their travel budgets and inquire with their chosen airline about the specific method of payment for the new charge.
https://pakobserver.net/lahore-airport-imposes-new-domestic-flight-charge/
GDA establishes Tourism Committee to encourage investors
Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) Director General Dawood Khan Khilji has established Tourism Committee to ensure an attractive environment for investment in the tourism sector of port city. The committee headed by Director Administration while the members include Director of Finance, Director of Urban Planning and others would take steps for the exploration the tourist spots and opportunities in Gwadar.
The GDA has already approved a comprehensive tourism policy through its governing body in order to revamp and develop the sector to increase the revenue. The tourism policy has been formulated in view of the global and natural tourism importance of Gwadar, which includes the basic principles of local-private partnership, ease of doing business, innovation and sustainability, improving the quality of services and protecting the rights of tourists in Gwadar. The initiative would also help the development of the tourism sector and the creation of employment opportunities.
https://www.app.com.pk/domestic/gda-establishes-tourism-committee-to-encourage-investors/
GRCP hosts 2nd annual Gandhara Citrus festival to boost agricultural tourism
Gandhara Resource Center Pakistan (GRCP) proudly unveiled the Second Annual Gandhara Citrus Festival with a dynamic celebration held in Taxila.
This event was aimed to stimulate agricultural tourism by showcasing the distinct citrus offerings of the region while highlighting its rich Buddhist heritage, GRCP public relations officer said.
Firstly, it sought to promote a diverse range of oranges from Khanpur, fostering enduring connections between orange producers and exporters nationally and internationally.
Secondly, it aimed to spotlight and exhibit the ancient stonework of the Gandhara civilization, fostering connections between artisans and exporters.
The festival offered many activities, including live painting sessions, exhibitions, and promotions of locally harvested citrus fruits and homemade products. Additionally, it served as a platform to showcase the intricate Stone Carving Art of the Gandhara civilization, contributing to the advocacy and promotion of local heritage.
Minister announces to establish Tourism Police Unit in Sindh
Caretaker Minister for Tourism, Climate Change and Coastal Development Sindh, Arshad Wali Muhammad has announced to establish dedicated “Tourism Police Units” in the province. “This initiative aims to bolster confidence in Sindh as a premier tourist destination”, the minister said in statement. Secretary Tourism and Culture, Government of Sindh, Khalid Chachar has formally requested the Home Department to allocate police personnel for deployment at key tourism sites in Sindh. This dedicated force will be trained in tourist-centric policing, focusing on cultural sensitivity, communication and emergency response, creating a welcoming and secure environment for visitors, he said. The establishment of Tourism Police underscores the Government of Sindh’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism while ensuring the well-being of tourists. This initiative paves the way for increased tourism flow, boosting economic growth and cultural exchange in the province.
https://www.app.com.pk/domestic/minister-announces-to-establish-tourism-police-unit-in-sindh/
Pakistan, Indonesia agree to enhance cooperation in immigration, tourism
Pakistan and Indonesia have agreed to enhance mutual cooperation and coordination on the matters related to immigration and to increase tourism.
The bilateral ties were discussed in a meeting between Ambassador of Pakistan in Indonesia Ameer Khurram Rathore and Director General of Indonesian Immigration Silmy Karim. Both the representative agreed that enhanced tourism between both the countries could ultimately enhance mutual cooperation and coordination. They also agreed that there should be lenient immigration terms between both the countries.
In the meeting, they discussed several matters of mutual interest, the embassy said in a statement.
Punjab Tourism Secretary Raja Jahangir inspects tourist spots of Soon Valley
Punjab Tourism Secretary Raja Jahangir along with Sargodha Commissioner Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti visited tourist spots of the Soon Valley in Khushab, including Khabeki Lake, Uchhali Lake and Kanhati Garden. They reviewed facilities being provided at the spots.
Deputy Commissioner Khushab Zeeshan Shabbir Rana and other officers were also accompanied them.
The commissioner presented several suggestions to the secretary for the promotion of tourism in the Soon Valley. Both officers also inspected the under-construction roads from Jaba Road and Noshera to Pail and directed the contractor to complete it within the stipulated time. Assistant Commissioner Noshera Irfan Martin also briefed the secretary and commissioner about problems being faced by people of the Soon Valley and other matters.
https://www.app.com.pk/domestic/tourism-secretary-visits-soon-valley/
Punjab tourism dept taking steps to facilitate Sikh pilgrims, global tourists
The Punjab government, tourism, archaeology and museums department along with its attached departments is taking steps by launching an online portal tailored for Sikh pilgrims, streamlining booking and digital payments for global tourists.
This marks a significant milestone in easing access for tourists visiting the country. The government’s dedication is evident in planning guided tours for international Sikhs across Punjab’s historical landmarks. The proposal to establish a Sikh resort in Kartarpur and the creation of an online booking portal for Sikh visitors from other countries demonstrate Pakistan’s inclusivity and commitment to facilitating diverse tourists. TDCP’s proactive measures extend to enabling online bookings for Patriata and sightseeing buses, leveraging technology to enhance the tourist experience.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1801926
In the summer season of 2023, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) witnessed a notable influx of over 2,050 foreign climbers and trekkers, apart from around 9,000 foreign tourists.
The GB government collected Rs40.5 million in permit fees for climbing peaks during this period.
The tourism department reported that over 9,000 foreign tourists, including paragliders and trekkers in open zones, explored GB in 2023.
Among the visitors, 2,050 foreign climbers and trekkers endeavoured to ascend various peaks, including the renowned five eight-thousanders: K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum-I, Gasherbrum-II, and Broad Peak. This marked the highest number of foreign tourists visiting the region in the past two decades.
Tour operators suggested that implementing specific measures could further attract a greater number of foreign tourists, while simultaneously criticising the role of the tourism department.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1802229
