| Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has given in-principle approval for the province’s most extensive tourism development plan, which includes the restoration, repair, and construction of 170 tourist sites and trails.
During a high-level meeting on Tuesday, the CM also approved the establishment of Punjab’s first Tourism and Heritage Authority to streamline tourism governance and preservation efforts. The plan focuses on enhancing tourism across multiple cities, including Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, Chakwal, and Jhelum.
To promote eco-tourism, Chhanga Manga Forest Park and Lal Suhanra National Park will be developed, while special tourism trails will be introduced for the first time in Punjab. These include the Mughal Monuments Trail along GT Road, the Sikh Tourism Trail in Aimanabad and Gujranwala, and heritage sites in Taxila, Bhati Gate, and the Salt Range.
Read: Punjab Tourism & Heritage Authority to oversee restoration of historic site
The CM also approved the restoration of significant historical and religious landmarks, including Taxila Museum, Qila Kahna Qasim Bagh in Multan, and ancient Gurdwaras and churches. A dedicated pilgrimage trail in Uch Sharif is also planned to facilitate visitors.
In a major step toward digital tourism, Punjab will soon launch its first-ever Tourism Magnificent App, offering virtual tours of 170 destinations. The app will provide travel bookings, hotel reservations, and services like Food Panda, along with an AI chatbot for real-time assistance.
“We are laying the foundation for global tourism in Punjab. Our goal is to develop world-class tourist destinations and make Taxila a complete tourist site, including a five-star hotel,” CM Maryam Nawaz stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to making Punjab a premier tourism hub. |
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