CS reviews progress on Integrated Tourism Zones

PESHAWAR: Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah chaired a high-level meeting to assess the progress and potential of Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZs) in the province.

The meeting focused on updates regarding key tourism projects, including the Ghanool tourism zone in Mansehra, Mankiyal in Swat, and the Thandiani tourism project in Abbottabad. An official communique said that these zones were being developed to promote sustainable tourism, preserve local culture, and boost economic activity in the region.

The 30-acre Mankiyal eco-tourism destination in Swat will feature wellness resorts, ethnobotanicals parks, and a village activity center, while the 60-acre Ghanool ITZ in Mansehra will include a food village, a culture-themed hotel

and resort, a local skill development center, a retail village, and premium outlets.

The officials briefed the meeting on the current status of land acquisition and road infrastructure for the ITZs. It was informed that rehabilitation and upgrading of roads were progressing steadily- with the Abbottabad-Thandiani Road (24 km) 34 percent, the Mankiyal Road in Swat (22 km) 27 percent, and the Ghanool-Paprang Road (9 km) 45 percent completed. Highlighting the province’s vast tourism potential, the chief secretary stressed the need to capitalize on these projects for economic growth.

He reiterated that sustainable tourism development could significantly contribute to job creation and local enterprise.