Provinces brief NTCB on steps taken for tourism promotion

ISLAMABAD: The National Tourism Coordination Board (NTCB) on Monday agreed to earmark different places for film shootings in the country with an aim to promote tourism, ARY News reported.

With Zulfi Bukhari in the chair, the NTCB meeting reviewed proposals for cultural and religious tourism. Provincial ministers for tourism also briefed the NTCB head on policies devised by provinces on the subject.

The top officials of the relevant ministry also briefed the meeting.

Bukhari, who is also prime minister’s Special Assistant on overseas Pakistanis, told the meeting that the federal government would extend assistance to provinces in different sectors. “All provinces must make concerted efforts to promote tourism in the country,” he said.

He called for viewing cultural, religious and adventure tourism as separate sectors to achieve the intended results.

“We have everything, and we now need to work with dedication and honesty,” he insisted.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on April 3, while addressing a tourism summit in Islamabad, said Pakistan offered best tourism attractions in the world ranging from scenic beaches, enchanting mountains, and beautiful deserts.

“Pakistan has virgin coastal belt in Balochistan, but it is unfortunate that our elite prefers to visit Europe and western countries instead of exploring our own tourist spots.”

The prime minister said Allah (SWT) had bestowed us with diverse kinds of mountain scenery from Suleman, Karakoram and Himalaya heights. PM Khan said Gilgit-Baltistan had immense potential for tourism and with the improved law and order there a large number of people have visited the area.

He said there were dozens of beautiful areas in Pakistan like Nathia Gali, but they needed to be developed.

The premier said Pakistani tourists needed to be given awareness about the scenic beauty of the country.