Daily Times

The Department of Tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa released its annual report on tourist arrivals in 2023 on Friday, revealing impressive figures and highlighting the province’s growing appeal for domestic and international tourists.

The comprehensive data was collected under the oversight of the World Bank’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism (KITE) Centres Project 1422.

From January 01 to December 26, 2023, a remarkable total of 16,988,946 tourists explored the various districts of the province. Notably, the number of foreign tourists visiting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reached 4,554, underscoring the province’s increasing global recognition as a travel destination.

The Tourism Department’s report disclosed that Galyat emerged as the top attraction in 2023, with over 6.34 million tourists visiting for sightseeing and recreational activities. Naran Kaghan Valley and Malam Jabba also drew substantial crowds, hosting 5.08 million and 3.54 million tourists, respectively.

In addition, Upper and Lower Dir experienced a combined influx of 1,380,740 tourists seeking to explore the region’s scenic beauty. Lower Chitral recorded 591,330 tourists, while Upper Chitral welcomed 38,771 visitors during the year.

Foreign tourist arrivals painted a diverse picture, with Lower Chitral leading the way by hosting 1,624 international tourists. Upper Chitral received 791 foreign visitors, Dir (Upper and Lower) recorded 417, Swat Valley saw 237, Malam Jabba attracted 588, and Naran Kaghan Valley witnessed 897 foreign tourists.

These impressive figures underscore the rich tapestry of attractions Khyber Pakhtunkhwa offers, as domestic and international travellers continue to show heightened interest in exploring the province’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage.