Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Wednesday directed concerned authorities to resolve tourism-related issues on top priority in a bid to further boost the sector.
While chairing a meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on Tourism in Islamabad, the premier directed the departments concerned to finalise and furnish suggestions aimed at extending facilitation including, tax exemptions to those interested in developing tourist resorts and world class hotels across the country, especially northern areas.
Alluding to rest houses and other historic places in Jhelum and its adjoining areas, he said that public-private partnership (PPP) model should be used for the rehabilitation of these buildings.
The meeting was informed that the services of an international organisation have been hired for the promotion of investment in Punjab’s tourism sector.
Similarly, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a draft of master plans has been prepared for four integrated tourism zones.
It was informed that rules and regulations framed in Punjab regarding tourism will be enforced at the earliest whilst in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, these are in the implementation phase.
The meeting was also informed that a centralised tourism website is fully functional for the promotion of tourism in all four provinces.
Moreover, the meeting was told about the progress made on converting Attock and Bala Hisar Fort into tourist attractions and about the Civil Aviation’s amendments in its rules for the launch of an air safari service at tourist spots.
