Amraiz Khan
Experts, scholars and stakeholders of tourism, in a “webinar” chaired by Adviser to Chief Minister on Tourism Asif Mehmood, have floated the idea of one window operation for foreign investors.
Wide publication and dissemination of literature about heritage sites and inclusion of topics of tourism ethics and heritage importance in curriculum were also discussed in the webinar.
Chairman P&D Board Abdullah Khan Sumbal, Secretary Tourism Ehsan Bhutta, CEO Urban Unit Omer Masood, Managing Director TDCP Tanvir Jabbar, Additional Secretary, Director Archaeology were present in P&D committee room while panellists Salima Hashmi, Sajida Vandal, Shafiq Ahmed, Umer Khan, Umer Hussain, Qasim Jaffery, Shoraiz Lashari, Tayyab Ali and others participated via video link.
They presented their suggestions to promote heritage sites focused tourism across the Punjab.
Advisor Tourism appraised the participants about initiatives taken by Tourism Department especially heritage preservation.
The Chairman P& D Board appreciated all stakeholders and efforts of Secretary Tourism and Tourism Department along with Punjab Tourism for Economic Growth Project (PTEGP) for promotion of Tourism and Heritage in the province.
“Include tourism ethics and heritage importance in Curriculum, text books”, suggested the renowned scholar Salima Hashmi.
Another stakeholder Tallal Ahmed was convinced that one-window operation for foreign investors was the key to boost investment in tourism sector particularly for hotel chains.
The Adviser agreed in principle and told the participants that these suggestions would be presented before Punjab Cabinet for further progress.
“For the first time we are moving ahead in a coordinated way to promote to tourism in Punjab”, said Mr. Mehmood.
He also said that as soon as restrictions in the wake of covid-19 are removed more initiatives would be taken in collaboration with private sector.
CEO Urban Unit Omer Masood asked for integrated development, especially implementation of feasibility / Destination Investment and Management Plan (DIMPS). He also urged the need of implementation of urban unit feasibility of Soon Valley.
Another participant Omer Mukhtar Khan suggested Soon Valley development particularly water sports in the river Indus at Kalabagh and launching Attock to Kalabagh river Safaari.
“Why we don’t publish disseminate promotional literature and books on heritage to attract foreign tourists”, wondered the Sajida Vandal.
She also said that unnecessary constructions and encroachments at heritage places should be avoided to maintain beauty of the past.
