Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) is making arrangements to cater to the needs of tourists who head to hill stations at Eidul Fitr.

PTDC Managing Director Abdul Ghafoor said that PTDC had announced summer tour packages containing 20% discounted rates on accommodation, meals and transportation at PTDC motels. He said that the number of people had been booking hotels and rest houses in hilly picnic spots in northern parts of the country.

The PTDC MD said that the northern parts of the country, including Murree, Nathiyagali, Ayubia, Bhurban Patriata, Abbottabad, Swat, Naran, Kaghan, Shogran, Rawalkot, Nelum Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan had witnessed a surge in domestic tourism.

“These areas are likely to receive 50,000 to 60,000 local tourists this year due to Eid holidays and summer vacations. Picnic spots including Abbottabad, Swat, Naran, Shogran and Kaghan are likely to receive 30,000 to 40,000 domestic tourists during Eid holidays, while they normally receive 10,000 tourists each during the summer,” he said.

Summer vacations are another factor encouraging domestic tourists to plan their trips to the beautiful hilly areas of northern Pakistan, he added. He said that PTDC motels were spacious enough to accommodate a large number of people and its Naran motel has 60 rooms, which was situated on the bank of Naran River.

“The Naran Valley is very pleasant and peaceful, which attracts a large number of tourists every year,” he added.

Published in Daily Times, June 23rd, 2017.