PTDC launches discount tour packages for groups, families

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has launched a number of discounted tour packages for groups, families and students.

Tourist Coach Services to Swat and Kaghan Valley will also be resumed from June 1. PTDC has also set up accommodation facilities at fairy tale places like Rama Lake, Phandar Lake, Gupis, Mastuj, Bunni, Bumburet (Kalash Valley) and Khaplu in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral areas, an official of PTDC told APP.

"From a modest beginning with 10 units in 1976, PTDC Motels have now expanded its boarding, lodging and restaurant facilities to 43 remote tourist destinations spread across the country," he said.

Fourteen motels have been leased out to private parties, whereas remaining units are being operated by PTDC itself. With over 600 rooms, it has now become the largest chain of motels & restaurants in the country.

In line with government's tourism development strategy, PTDC motels were constructed to meet two primary objectives; to open up new areas for tourism and set the pace for the private sector to follow, secondly, to initiate socio- economic development of the area.

PTDC has been successful to meet these objectives and presents an accessible and affordable facility at the most picturesque sites.

PTDC Motels are set up in areas where private sector is reluctant to invest or where infrastructure facilities are not yet fully developed.

Playing a role of pioneer and trend setter, PTDC Motels have always opened up new and remote places for tourism thus bringing infrastructure (road, water, electricity, telephone, etc.) facilities and employment opportunities at the door-step of the local communities.

PTDC Motels lead the road to prosperity and development.

For facilitation of tourists, PTDC has set up a website: www.tourism.gov.pk  on tourist attractions of Pakistan, in addition to its 18 Tourist Information Centres located in main cities and tourist places.

It is pertinent to mention that temperature in the central and southern parts of the country is rising with every passing day. However, there are places like Murree, Ayubia, Nathiagali, Azad Kashmir, Kaghan, Swat, Chitral, Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu where the weather is pleasant the air is fresh, the valleys are green and the river waters are refreshingly cool.