LAHORE, Sept 17: The Punjab government is finalizing a strategy to give tourism status of an industry. This was stated by Punjab Tourism Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal during a meeting with tourists here on Saturday.

He said the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) was introducing cost-effective packages so that more domestic and foreign tourists could be attracted to sites in the Punjab. He said the Punjab government had also taken special measures to provide security to foreign tourists.

In order to guide and help these tourists in a better way, he said, the TDCP had developed a network of information and facility centres. He said the government was also providing training to tour operators, besides teaching them different languages, so that they could communicate with foreign tourists in a better manner.

Mr Iqbal said the Punjab government was also working to establish a Human Resource Development Institute for Tourism to churn out human resources lacking in the tourism sector.

He said the government was also working for the establishment of an aquarium, improving the beauty of Kallar Kahar lake, water sports and tourist resorts at Head Sulemanki and Head Balloki etc. He said the government was also taking steps for maintenance of historical and tourist spots in the province.