Pakistan plans new tourism projects in Neelum Valley — Dawn
In Pakistan, the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir plans to create new recreational and ecotourism parks, cultural heritage sites and other tourism infrastructure in the Neelum Valley. The projects are to become part of the region’s 100-day transformation programme, Dawn reports.
Overview of planned facilities
Tourism, Youth and Culture Secretary Ansar Yaqoob inspected the proposed projects in Keran, Sharda, Arang Kel and other tourist locations in the upper part of the valley during a visit. He also reviewed the progress of planning for tourist villages and sites where recreational and ecotourism projects could be implemented.
Assistant Director of Tourism Malik Murtaza briefed the official on current tourism activities, proposed projects and existing infrastructure at various locations. According to Yaqoob, all guesthouses and hotels in the valley are planned to be included in a unified system to improve service standards and develop the hospitality industry in an organised, safe and sustainable manner.
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Losses in the tourism sector
The nearly 150-kilometre-long Neelum Valley is known for its mountains with cedar forests, snow-fed streams, waterfalls and numerous small valleys. Every year, it attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists and nature lovers from different parts of the country. The hospitality sector has drawn significant private investment and provides jobs for many local residents.
At the same time, the industry has suffered losses for three consecutive years due to tensions along the Line of Control, last year’s military confrontation between India and Pakistan, as well as the public order situation during protests by supporters of the now-banned Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. Yaqoob reviewed measures for compensation for tourism sector workers and businesses and for addressing their complaints.
According to Yaqoob, sites for parks, ecotourism facilities and leasing arrangements have already been identified and agreed upon. The authorities are also considering additional locations for inclusion in the development plans. Yaqoob instructed that work in Keran, Sharda, Arang Kel and other areas of the upper part of the valley be accelerated.
