TDCP to open 15 tourists’ destinations in Kotlisattian

To promote tourism industry, the Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP) has identified 15 new tourism destinations in Rawalpindi district.

TDCP’s regional Manager Zahid Ashraf told that TDCP has completed over 50 percent development work and will formally open the designated destinations for the tourists by the end of this year.

Zahid Ashraf said that Rawalpindi district is known as the most favorite tourists’ attraction of Punjab province, having Murree Hills, religious tourism points in Taxila, Hassanabdal and others.

To a question, he said, the TDCP generates its revenue from these tourists’ points, adding that they also financially support other regions of Punjab from earning finances from Rawalpindi region.

Briefing about the new tourism destination, the Manager said Murree Hills are one of the most favorite destinations for the tourists across the country in the summer, adding that even during snowfall season.

But due to influx of the tourists from across the country, the administrative affairs, including traffic arrangements, stay and other related matters, are badly affected to overcome this problem.

To provide multiple tourism options to the citizens, the PTDC has identified at least 15 new tourism points in Rawalpindi.

They are developing and promoting these points to attract tourists not only from the Rawalpindi district but across Pakistan. In this regard, 50 percent work has been completed, he added.

These points will be formally opened for tourists by the end of 2021, he hoped.

Ashraf maintained that the PTDC has installed sign boards inscribed with details at roads of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to guide the citizens about these new destinations.

Moreover, the locals are also briefed about the impact of tourism activities on their social economic status.

He added that instead of promoting construction of the hotels and motels in these areas, PTDC is trying to promote the concept of pods in these areas, which are environment friendly.

Tauseef Satti, a social worker, appreciated the efforts of the provincial government for the promotion of tourism in Kotlisattian.

He said Kotlisattian has more natural beauty as compared to Murree, but due to the lack of road and hotel infrastructures, the area could not attain visitors’ attention.

Satti, however, said just installing boards on the road sides is not enough to promote tourism in this region, adding that there are many points among the identified tourist points which do not have road access.

 Similarly, most areas even don’t have internet facilities and without addressing these issues, tourists can’t be attracted, Satti maintained.