PESHAWAR: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan, has signed an agreement worth PKR 300 million to implement the 3rd Phase of the Eco-Tourism and Camping village project in five locations across the province. This initiative aims to promote responsible travel to natural areas and provide tourists with an opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of Pakistan while increasing livelihood opportunities for local youth.
The Culture and Tourism Authority (CTA) and UNDP Pakistan have already established six camping sites at various locations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since 2017 as part of the first and 2nd phases of the project. An additional four sites are expected to be completed by June 2023. Each site has 10 modern, state-of-the-art camping pods with attached washrooms and common kitchen facilities that can accommodate 26 tourists.
The agreement for the third Phase of the project was signed between the UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Knut Ostby, and the Project Director of CTA, Mr. Muhammad Ali Syed, at Sor Laspur, Upper Chitral, where the recently completed camping village under 2nd Phase of the project was handed over to the CTA. Mr. Khalid Zaman, Deputy Commissioner Upper Chitral, and local community members were also present at the event.
Initiative to promote eco-tourism
Mr. Muhammad Ali Syed, Project Director of CTA, said, “This facility at Sor Laspur will provide tourists with excellent lodging facilities to enjoy the landscape and will also serve as a base for hiking/trekking trips in the region. We appreciate UNDP’s efforts in efficiently executing this project and its timely handover.”
Speaking at the event, Mr. Knut Ostby, UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative, said, “It is encouraging to see the community’s response and the government’s ownership for this initiative. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government to promote eco-tourism and local livelihoods in the province.”
The project is set to start immediately, with sites targeted to be completed by September 2024. This initiative will not only promote eco-tourism but also help to preserve and respect the local environment and heritage while providing a boost to the economy of the province.
