In order to promote tourism in Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved declaring three tourists spots of Ghanool (Mansehra), Mankyal (Swat) and Madaklasht (Lower Chitral) as integrated tourism zones (ITZs).
In this regard, the first meeting of Provincial Tourism Strategy Board, chaired by the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan was held where approval was given and for the final approval, the matter would be presented before the provincial cabinet.
Provincial Cabinet members Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Ishtiaq Urmar, Chief Secretary Shehzad Bangash, Additional Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah administrative secretaries and others attended the meeting.
The forum was informed that Ghanol ITZ would consist of an area of 489 Kanal whereas Mankyal and Madaklasht would consist of 450 Kanal and 500 Kanals of land, respectively.
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It was added that for the newly approved ITZs, section-4 has been imposed on the land identified and the land acquisition process had been started.
The authorities said that suitable site has also been identified for another Integrated Tourism Zone in Thandiani district Abbottabad, they added after formalities the site would also be declared as Integrated Tourism Zone.
The participants of the meeting were informed that master plans of the Integrated Tourism Zones had been prepared, and in the next phase management plans would be prepared for these Integrated Tourism Zones.
The meeting was also informed that the Integrated Tourism Zones would be presented in Dubai Expo 2020 to attract foreign investment.
The Chief Minister while addressing in the meeting, directed the quarters concerned to ensure preparation of regulations for the said ITZs within next two months and submit for approval.
He added the government was working to promote tourism as industry in the province, it will help to stabilize the local economy and provide job opportunities to people.
