Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) saw a surge in tourism during the recent Eid-ul-Azha Holidays. Reports say over 415,000 tourists visited the province, with most being domestic tourists but also some international visitors. The scenic areas like Naran, Kaghan, and Galiyat were trendy, attracting hundreds of thousands of people.
The beautiful landscapes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) are attracting a huge number of tourists this Eid. So far, over 200,000 local and foreign tourists have visited various destinations, drawn by the region’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical sites. The number of tourists is expected to exceed 400,000 during the three-day Eid-ul-Azha holidays.
According to the report 237,000 tourists visited Galliyat, 151,900 Malam Jabba, 92,000 Kumrat Valley, and 77,000 went to Naran and Kaghan. Similarly, more than 24,000 tourists spent their Eid holidays in Chitral.
Saad bin Owais, the Media Manager of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, praised the district administration’s efforts to provide facilities for tourists in popular spots like Lower Dir, Swat, Kalam, Saiful Malook, Kumrat, Abbottabad, Kaghan Naran, and Malam Jabba. He also noticed that hotels and restaurants are fully booked.
Shahbad Ali, a local tourist facilitator in Sangoor, Chitral, appreciated Deputy Commissioner Imran Khan for improving road conditions, making it easier for tourists to reach Chitral’s scenic valleys. The influx of tourists has positively impacted the local economy, according to Owais.
Authorities advise tourists to follow safety guidelines shared on social media to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Tourism Police, along with local and traffic police, are on duty to assist visitors. Long queues of cars, vans, and buses heading to these tourist spots have created a festive atmosphere.
Residents have also opened their homes to tourists to earn extra income. Many families enjoy cultural songs and set up tents in the forests to make the most of the pleasant weather.
Top Notch Management
Deputy Commissioner Imran Khan emphasized that the ongoing school and college vacations, along with Eid festivities, have contributed to the rush of tourists. He assured that officials are ready to help families during their visits to the hilly areas.
A foreign tourist described Upper Dir as the most beautiful district in Pakistan’s northwest, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and inhabited by hospitable Pashtoon people. Deputy Commissioner Irfan Ali Khan highlighted that the district administration is always ready to assist tourists, making places like Kumrat Valley very popular.
Both Deputy Commissioners, Imran Khan, and Irfan Ali Khan, confirmed that all necessary measures are in place to handle the influx of tourists, including deploying traffic police to ensure smooth traffic flow and avoid fines during Eid. They emphasized their commitment to providing a positive experience for all visitors.
This significant increase in tourism is a welcome sign for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s efforts to promote the province as a premier tourist destination. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural tapestry, and historical significance, KPK has the potential to attract even more visitors in the future.
