Islamabad: Destination Investment and Management Plans (DIMPs) and Visitor Management Plans (VMPs) for three tourist destinations (Kalam, Kumrat, and Chitral) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) were launched here on Thursday.
The DIMPs and VMPs promote responsible tourism by suggesting diversity and quality in the tourism offering of these destinations and providing guidance for tourist planning and destination management.
DIMPs and VMPs were prepared by the KP’s Department of Tourism (DoT) through KITE project with the support of international experts in one year. The speakers shared the opportunities for public and private sector investments with the participants.
They informed that customized plans for each destination have been prepared to guide the investments from public and private sectors and that destination management will lead to an improved visitor experience, better regulation, and mobilization of resources.
“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. Government is not only focusing on creating employment opportunities but also making efforts to conserve the natural and cultural assets, said Chief Minster KP Mr. Mahmood Khan in his special message for the event.
Secretary Tourism Muhammad Tahir Orakzai said that efforts are 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.
Mr. Touseef Khalid, Project Director 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.
Ms. Kiran Afzal, a Senior Private Sector Specialist at World Bank, congratulated the DoT on achieving this milestone and mentioned that DIMPs can especially help the authorities manage the high-usage sites by suggesting mitigating measures to safeguard the attractions and prepare the sites against unforeseen crises.
An exclusive discussion on the title ‘Sustainable Tourism – The Way Forward’ was part of the workshop. The panel comprised Mr. Aziz Bolani, CEO of Serena Pakistan, Mr. Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana, MD PTDC, and Mr. Maqsood ul Mulk, Chairman Board of Directors, Kalash Development Authority. They shed light on various aspects of sustainable tourism and opportunities for the local economy.
KITE is a World Bank funded project that aims to promote responsible tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.