PESHAWAR, Pakistan: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has planned to set-up six camping paradise pods (CPPs) in Hazara and Malaknad divisions in order to provide congenial environment to domestic and foreign tourists to enjoy snowfalls, mountaineering and recreational activities during winter and summer seasons.
In the first phase, six camps would be set-up in Malakand and Hazara divisions each on 30 kanal land to be acquired on rent from private sector where tourists would be accommodated to enjoy snowfall, sports, mountaineering and recreational activities in a safe environment.
Tourism Corporation KPK officials told media on Wednesday that work on this gigantic project would commence in March next year while efforts are being made to setup one such camp at Thandyani before schedule time for tourists coming to Hazara to enjoy snowfall during winter season. Each camp would be completed with an estimated cost of Rs10 million, the officials said, adding 30 more camps would be setup subject to availability of funds.
The officials said work on Malam Jabba Ski Resort, chairlift and a five star hotel in Swat that was destroyed during reign of Taliban in 2007-08 was underway and would be completed by December next year, adding structure of the hotel’s third floor has been completed and would be opened for tourists next year.
The project after completion would generate huge revenue to the government’s exchequer, the official said, adding the project was leased out to the Samsung Company for a period of 33 years under an agreement and will pay Rs 12 million per year with 10 percent annual increase to the Government.
The official said a state of art tourist resort on 400 kanals would be setup at Hund Swabi and another similar resort over 93.3 kanal near Saiful Mulk lake in Manshera to bolster tourism industry in the province.
The official said out of 132 rest houses, the possession of 24 was taken over by the Tourism Department KPK and their renovation work has been started. In addition to establishment of six information system, the officials said a creative wing is being established in Tourism Department for bringing new ideas and plans for promotion of tourism industry in the province.
An official said a high level delegation of KPK would visit Spain and Berlin in March next where cultural stalls would be setup to inform foreign tourists about the facilities and potential of our province and the country.
Source: APP
