Islamabad:
The general director of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), Habibullah Arif, has reported a remarkable increase in tourism during the three-day Eidul Azha holidays, with approximately 700,000 tourists visiting popular destinations in Khyber-Pakhunkhwa.
Speaking exclusively to a private news channel, DG Arif expressed enthusiasm for strong participation. “We are delighted to witness such an overwhelming response of tourists. The impressive landscapes of KP, the rich cultural heritage and the warm hospitality have made it a preferred destination this year,” he said.
Breaking down the numbers, Arif said that Swat welcomed around 288,000 visitors, Garyat saw 177,000, and Chitral and Upper Dir received 100,000 tourists.
Other better places such as Naran-Kaghan and Malam Jabba also attracted great crowds, attracting visitors looking for natural beauty, adventure and cultural experiences.
“The tourists were attracted to the impressive landscape of the region, outdoor activities and vibrant traditions,” he added.
The DG emphasized the authority’s commitment to sustainable tourism, stating: “We are focused on improving our infrastructure, improving services and providing facilities to accommodate the growing number of tourists. Our goal is to ensure that each visitor enjoy a safe and memorable experience.”
He also highlighted the efforts to maintain affordability and comfort, saying: “Within our available resources, we ensure the provision of quality food and work to regulate the prices of food and hotels services.”
In an attempt to diversify tourist offers, Arif said that KPCTA is actively identifying hidden gems throughout the province and organizing camp and adventure tourism activities to show the least known natural wonders of KP.
