ISLAMABAD: The authorities have chalked out plans to manage three tourist destinations of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Kalam, Kumrat and Chitral.

According to a press release, Destination Investment and Management Plans (DIMPs) and Visitor Management Plans (VMPs) for the three tourist destinations were launched here on Thursday.

The DIMPs and VMPs promote responsible tourism by suggesting diversity and quality in the tourism and providing guidance for tourist planning and destination management.

DIMPs and VMPs were prepared by the KP’s department of tourism through KITE project with the support of international experts in one year.

“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is well positioned as a preferred tourism destination. It has a considerable competitive advantage due to the natural endowments and a culture of hospitality. The government is not only focusing on creating employment opportunities but also making efforts to conserve the natural and cultural assets,” said Chief Minster Mahmood Khan in his special message for the event.

Tourism Secretary Mohammad Tahir Orakzai said that efforts were being made to develop new tourist sites and better manage the existing sites. “It is important to prepare the sites for tourist influx during peak season and to use this opportunity to create economic opportunities,” he added.

Touseef Khalid, the project director of KITE, gave a briefing on sustainable tourism initiatives and innovative approaches including, development and planning for new and existing destinations, reduced carbon footprint and heritage preservation.

Kiran Afzal, a senior private sector specialist at World Bank, said that the plans could help the authorities to manage the high-usage sites by suggesting mitigating measures to safeguard the attractions and prepare the sites against unforeseen crises.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2022