By Shehzad Khan
MINGORA: Pakistan Tourism and Development Corporation (PTDC) managing director Ch Abdul Ghafoor here on Thursday vowed to take concrete steps to revive international tourism in the scenic Swat valley.
He was speaking in a meeting with PTDC officials and elected representatives of the district government at PTDC hotel in Swat. Swat district Nazim Muhamad Ali Shah and other officials of the Swat district administration and PTDC, were also present on the occasion.
He said that Swat valley was a major tourist attraction spot in the country and owing to its scenic beauty the valley was known as the Switzerland of the east. “It is of utmost happiness that since restoration of peace, the valley is witnessing heavy influx of tourists from across the country every year,” he said.
“The PTDC officials are aware of the scenic beauty of Swat and that’s why steps are being taken to attract tourists from across the world,” he said, adding that currently, three standard motels under PTDC was operating at Saidu Sharif, Miandam and Chakdara while high standard restaurant would soon be built in Swat.
Referring to the heavy influx of tourists from across the world in near future, he said that he was hopeful that soon tourists from other parts of the world would throng to the scenic valley.
“The scenic valleys and ancient civilization can play a vital role in drawing international tourists to Swat,” he expected.
Swat district Nazim Muhammad Ali Shah also addressed the gathering and acknowledged the efforts of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation aiming to boost up the tourism in Swat.
Expressing hope of revival of international tourism in Swat the district Nazim said,“The efforts done by PTDC will pay off one day and Swat will soon witness heavy influx tourists from the world in near future.”
