KITE’s initiatives to boost tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

NATHIAGALI: The provision of heavy machinery worth Rs350 million for road clearance during snowfall at the popular tourist destinations in the province is one of the major initiatives of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE) for promotion of tourism, especially during winter season.

The state-of-the-art machinery, including two heavy bulldozers for Galiyat valley only, has been handed over to the local development authority, which has been effectively clearing road blockages in the snow-bound long strip of the beautiful valley.

Such efforts have significantly improved winter accessibility in the picturesque Galiyat valley and other tourist zones in Hazara and Malakand divisions.

“We had received a request from the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) for two units each of five-ton and three-ton bulldozers to clear snow-covered roads during winter. These machines have been arranged and handed over to GDA and they play a crucial role in keeping the roads open,” said Hashmat Ali, a KITE representative.

A resident of the area said that the results of this initiative could be gauged from the fact that Galiyat valley has experienced uninterrupted traffic flow during the snow season for the past three years.

“It is certainly a relief from the hardship of earlier times when heavy snowfall would frequently block roads, causing difficulties for the local population and the tourists,” he added.

A GD official said that this development had not only eased the hardships of local residents but has also made the valley more accessible for tourists, boosting winter tourism.”

KITE, a foreign-funded project, under the KP Department of Culture, Tourism, Archaeology, and Museums, is designed to foster sustainable tourism development in the province. The project has adopted a multi-dimensional approach to ensure that tourism promotion is balanced with environmental conservation and community engagement.

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, KITE has been working to identify integrated and sustainable tourism zones. Feasibility studies and master plans have been completed for four Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZs), including Tandiyani in Abbotabad, Ganool in Mansehra, Mankiyal in Swat and Madaklasht in Chitral, in order to safeguard the existing tourist destinations from overcrowding.

Destination Investment and Management Plans (DIMPs) and Visitor Management Plans (VMPs) are also implemented to improve tourism infrastructure while preserving cultural and natural resources.

KITE has also conducted studies for Upper Swat, Chitral, and Kumrat in Upper Dir, which have been handed over to the respective Special Purpose Development Authorities (SPDAs) for implementation. These plans are expected to streamline tourism activities, enhance visitor experiences, and ensure long-term sustainability.

In a bid to create awareness and involve stakeholders, KITE had organised a three-day orientation workshop for journalists here. Some 18 Peshawar-based journalists from various leading media houses attended the workshop.

Shafqat Ali Khan, a social development specialist, was the resource person at the workshop, who provided the participants with insights into the legal frameworks guiding the project, including the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF).

He also highlighted KITE’s initiatives such as installation of 73 prefabricated washrooms in the tourist sites, conservation of archaeological sites and provided technical support for tourism development.

He spoke about the project’s role in balancing tourism development with environmental and cultural preservation. “Our goal is to enhance tourism in KP while ensuring that the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage is preserved for future generations,” he said.

The workshop also included a panel discussion on “The Future of Sustainable Tourism in KP and the Role of Media.” The participants engaged in a thoughtful dialogue on ecotourism, natural resource preservation, and the media’s role in shaping public perceptions about sustainable tourism.

Journalists were urged to use their platforms to advocate for promotion of tourism and highlight KITE’s efforts.