Staff Reporter
Peshawar
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has formally opened tourism sector including archaeological and cultural tourism under standard operating procedures (SOPs) across the province.
According to a notification of Sports, Tourism, Archaelogy and Youth Affairs Department, the decision of opening of tourism and sports sectors has been taken in pursuance of the decision of National Coordination Council (NCC) chaired by Prime Minister on August 6, 2020.
According to the notification, tourism sector including archaeological and culture tourism has been opened from August 7, 2020 in the province. Similarly, sports sector except contact sports such as Rugby, Wrestling, Kabadi, Boxing, would be opened from August 10, 2020. Sports competitions would be held without spectators and both these sectors are open under SOPs.
Tourists have arrived in Naran, Kaghan and Murree as coronavirus lockdown for tourism sector has ended after five months today, Dunya News reported on Saturday. According to details, small businesses have opened along with transport and the locals as well as the visitors have expressed joy over the government’s decision.
Weather is extremely pleasant in tourist spots like Shogran, Saif-ul-Maluk Lake, Babusar Pass and Siri Paye where sightseers have reached without wasting any time. Tourists have also arrived in Hunza Valley and Gilgit to enjoy the weekend. However, the government has advised all to follow the precautionary measures as the COVID-19 threat is not completely over.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) administrations were requested to make all out efforts to implement SOPs on visiting tourists including use of face mask (No Mask No Tourism) and density control. Moreover, other provinces should take measures to control the flow of tourists to the tourist destinations.
For next three weeks, special efforts to ramp up testing and contact tracing of tourists through establishing of special sentinel sites at tourist spots and airports will be ensured. Detailed SOPs on tourism have already been issued, however, Ministry of Health will formulate and issue special guidelines and action plan for the tourist management.
