GB: Efforts on to further promote tourism in land of glaciers

F.P. Report

GILGIT: Commissioner Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Region, Hamza Salik said on Monday that GB is most peaceful part of the world with people extraordinary hospitable–that is why around 1.7 million tourists visited the region last year among which 0.5 million came to only to Baltistan that is a record to be noted.

Addressing the Tourism Conference he said the Skardu road would be completed by 2020 and hoped that after its completion tourists from around the world would visit this region even in greater number.

The GB, he said is called the land of glaciers and protection and promotion of its tourists spots was important to enhance the tourism activities in this region.

A lot of foreign climbers, he said also visit this region annually and we have to create awareness about the importance role of tourism in enhancing the national image and economy.

Today’s conference is part of the government’s endeavors to promote tourism, he said adding an information desk is being established at Skardu Airport for providing information to tourists. A food street will also be introduced in Skardu for tourists, he said.

Besides, he said informative pamphlets will also be distributed at all the entry points of the region to inform tourists regarding scenic spots and access roads.

The conference was also addressed by Secretary Tourism Asif Nawaz Tiwana, Yousuf Hussain, Qasim Naseem and others who gave suggestions for promotion of tourism in the region.