LAHORE: The Government of Punjab has decided to explore new avenues for tourism in the province. The Government also plans to venture into projects in collaboration with private sector, said Senior Punjab Minister Abdul Aleem Khan.
He was presiding over the party’s 100-day plan review meeting in Lahore. Punjab Tourism Minister Raja Yasir Humayun, Punjab Chief Secretary Akbar Husain Durrani, Punjab tourism department secretary and other senior officials of departments concerned also attended the meeting.
The minister underscored that apart from Murree, several untapped tourism avenues are available in the province such as Khushab, Taxila, Kotli Satiaan and Rohtaas where with a little effort tourism opportunities can be developed and promoted. “It will not only offer recreation facilities to the public but will also generate new employment opportunities for locals.”
Khan directed officials concerned to look for new avenues for tourism in Punjab in partnership with the private sector. He added that it is the need of the hour that steps should be taken in the right direction to ensure maximum tourism facilities for the public. “Only routine file work and feasibility reports cannot produce results and the present government is interested in taking practical steps in each sector and especially in tourism where there is a lot of potential.”
Khan said that it is very important to involve the private sector in different projects. He highlighted that at every dam, water reservoir, and head-works, tourism sites can be developed and promoted and it would help in reducing rush at the existing tourist spots.
The minister said that the tourism sector has a great importance for Prime Minister Imran Khan and provincial tourism department will have to put its share in the 100-day plan of the government.
Speaking at the meeting, Punjab Tourism Minister Raja Yasir Humayun said that only in Chakwal district there are 26 lakes and they need the attention of the Punjab Tourism Department.
Experts believe that in Pakistan tourism sector has an immense potential given its diverse culture, heritage, and natural endowment. However, in order to boost this sector, the government has to incentivise the private sector so that they make investments. It will help in upgrading existing tourism sites and develop new ones.
