HUNZA, Oct 20 (APP): A four-day festival to support small businesses in Upper-Hunza and promote autumn tourism in the valley kicked off here at Passu village on Thursday.
“The festival of North Gojal Chapter” was jointly organised by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and the Small Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) in the wake of recent floods and a drop in tourist activities.
A number of activities were planned for the visitors to help explore the hidden treasure of Gojal valley, including ‘Autumn Safari’, hiking, camping, rock climbing, selfie and experiencing the breathtaking views on Passu cone trail and Glacier treks.
Multiple stalls, including handicrafts, gemstones jewelry, local cuisine and dry fruits, were displayed at the festival.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) SMEDA, Hashim Reza extended his gratitude to PTDC, civil administration and the local community to make this event happen.
He said recent floods had affected tourism badly, which was why such initiative was imperative to revive inbound tourism in the country.
SMEDA, he said, was assisting the local community of Hunza in promoting their products not only at the national level but across the globe.
He hoped this festival would be held annually in northern areas.
zPTDC Manager of Publicity and Promotions Sadia Nauman said the corporation endeavoured to attract foreign and local tourists to explore the hidden treasure of the autumn season in the northern areas.
“We want to support locals through tourism promotion and development as small industries is the only source of living for them,” she remarked.
She appreciated SMEDA providing the people of Hunza an opportunity to showcase their talent through participating in this event.
Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry Hunza Chapter President Mubarak Hussain said it was the peak autumn season in Hunza. Still, unfortunately, this year, due to floods, tourist influx was very low.
GB economy’s primary source is SMEs and tourism, he said while appealing to the government to establish food processing zones, especially in central and upper Hunza, for fruits and vegetables to export to other countries.
