A DECISION has been made to close six Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation motels and restaurants incurring losses. I am afraid this decision is not in harmony with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of promoting tourism in the country, as the prime minister has announced a visa-on-arrival policy for the nationals of more than 50 countries.

It is suggested that all the motels and restaurants run by the PTDC be leased out to the chain of existing hotels/restaurants run by professionals. Operating motels on highways is a lucrative venture if run by professionals.

The terms of the lease should be reasonable to enable investors to provide three-star facilities to tourists. This would not only generate revenue for the PTDC, but also provide security and comfort to tourists and promote Pakistan as a tourism destination and a source to earn foreign exchange for the country.

Sakina
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2019