PESHAWAR: In a move to promote tourism in the province, the tourism department and Bank of Khyber on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding for the implementation of the provincial government’s homestay tourism programme, Maizban.

The development came during a special ceremony at the Chief Minister’s House here, where Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur was the chief guest.

The project is being launched initially in seven districts, including Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Swat at an initial cost of Rs395 million, according to an official statement.

It added that under the programme, interest-free loans of up to Rs3 million would be provided to residents through the Bank of Khyber to offer quality stay at their homes to tourists.

Individuals meeting the required eligibility criteria will be able to obtain loans to renovate existing rooms or construct two new rooms for providing accommodation to tourists within their homes premises. These rooms will be equipped with all necessary facilities, including bathrooms and kitchens. The loan repayment period will be five years, with repayment starting from the second year of loan disbursement.

The chief minister termed the project as a flagship initiative of his government to promote tourism.

“The launch of this Mezban programme will not only ensure quality and safe accommodation facilities for tourists but also serve as a source of livelihood for the local population,” he said.

Mr Gandapur said that the provincial government was working to promote tourism as an industry.

“While ensuring the provision of facilities at the existing tourist destinations, progress is also being made on the development of new tourist sites,” he said.

The chief minister said his government was committed to promoting tourism in the province to create employment opportunities for residents,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2025