Staff Reporter
PESHAWAR: A landmark meeting of the Joint Management Board (JMB) — comprising Green Tourism (Private) Limited and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Department — was held in Peshawar under the chairmanship of Dr. Abdul Samad, Secretary for Culture, Tourism, Archaeology & Museums, to review key initiatives shaping the future of tourism in the province.
Reflecting the visionary leadership of the Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the session reaffirmed the government’s determination to transform the province into a global tourism destination where culture, nature, and progress coexist harmoniously. The Chief Secretary’s vision focuses on sustainable development, responsible tourism, and local community empowerment as guardians of the province’s natural and cultural assets.
The JMB approved the inclusion of a 45-kilometer road in a new tourism project proposed for Saudi investment, marking a significant milestone toward improved accessibility and adventure opportunities. Both Green Tourism and the Tourism Department agreed to enhance financial collaboration on flagship ventures such as the Hund Theme Park (Swabi) and International Tourism Zones (ITZs) across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Partnerships were also advanced for the Ganool ITZ (Mansehra) to attract global investors in sustainable tourism development.
In a major eco-initiative, the Forest Department will allocate land for glamping sites on a revenue-sharing model with Green Tourism — blending environmental conservation with modern hospitality. Financial plans will be submitted for JMB approval, followed by the finalization of pricing structures. The Board also decided to withdraw the ten percent waiver clause after financial review.
The Tourism Department sought partner assistance in facilitating NOCs for foreign tourists, expanding hospitality training programs, and strengthening PAITHOM for professional tourism management. The issue of Mankiyal land replacement will be pursued with the provincial government for timely resolution.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Abdul Samad emphasized that tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is “not merely an economic pursuit but a cultural mission — a journey to connect people with the province’s living heritage and timeless landscapes.” He added that under the leadership of the Chief Secretary, KP is entering “a new tourism era — where every road leads to discovery, every site tells a story, and every traveler experiences the province’s warmth, peace, and hospitality.”
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to sustainable tourism, public-private collaboration, and the creation of tourism models that celebrate the identity and spirit of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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