PESHAWAR - As an important development toward the establishment of the tourism industry, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Private Partnership Committee has approved the implementation of three Integrated Tourism Zones projects, including ITZ Ganool, ITZ Mankiyal and ITZ Madaklasht, which would be developed at a cumulative cost of Rs. 12.2 billion.
The committee formally approved the tendering of ITZ Ganool which will be followed by the floating of tenders for ITZ Mankiyal and ITZ Madaklasht.
Chairing a meeting of the Public Private Partnership Committee, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan directed the relevant authorities to ensure the implementation of aforesaid ITZs projects as per the stipulated timelines adding that it is the priority of his government to develop the tourism industry by improving the existing tourism infrastructure and exploiting the new tourist sites in the province.
He said that Integrated Tourism Zones not only will provide world-class lodging, restaurants, winter sports and other recreational activities but would also promote various elements of local culture and the natural beauties of our scenic sites.
Mahmood Khan stated that the provincial government has undertaken multiple steps to catalyze the development of sustainable tourism thereby ensuring the socio-economic growth of the province.
He reiterated that his government is working under a realistic strategy to benefit from the tourism potential in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and make it the base of economic development and self-sustainability. The Chief Minister added that the Culture & Tourism Authority (CTA) will have a leading role in materializing the vision of the provincial government.
Briefing the committee about the current status of ITZs projects, it was informed that ITZ Ganool, covering an area of 60 acres, would be developed at an estimated cost of Rs. 5.5 billion having nearby attractions like Saif-ul-Maluk Lake, Dudi Patsar Lake, Payala Lake, Shogran, Siri Pai and Kaghan valley.
