Swat hoteliers seek govt support

[LahoreEstate]

Free-stay package extended

Tuesday, January 19, 2010
By Javed Aziz Khan

PESHAWAR: The hotel industry in Swat, which claims to have suffered Rs 7.5 billion losses during the last three years because of militancy, is looking for the government support to upgrade facilities for tourists in the picturesque valley.

Once visited by thousands of tourists from all over the country, hotels across Swat remained closed during the past three years since Malakand Division was in the grip of militancy and the subsequent military operation. Some hotels were bombed and razed by the militants.

These included a luxury hotel at the famous Malam Jabba skiing resort, which was occupied by the militants who caused severe damage to the white building. The chairlift system has also been damaged.

“Tourism in Swat suffered Rs 75 billion losses from 2007 to 2009. Out of this, the share of hotels remained Rs 7.5 billion. Many hotels were completely destroyed while several were severely damaged,” Swat Hotels and Restaurants Association (SHRA) President Zahid Khan told The News.

The association, with 855 hotels and restaurants its members, is looking for government support to revive the industry. Over 150 of the hotels and restaurants are located in Kalam alone. Tourism was the major source of income of thousands of families in Swat. The hoteliers have offered a 20-day free stay at Kalam, Bahrain and Madyan, the three most visited places of Swat, to attract tourists. The package was first offered from January 1 to January 10. Later, it was extended to January 20, after a good response by visitors from all over the country.

Apart from the ideal summer tourist points, Swat is famous for a number of archaeological sites, riversides and picnic spots. A second skiing resort is likely to be developed in Kalam like the one in Malam Jabba.

As life is returning to normalcy in Swat with cinemas reopening and musical, cultural and sports galas being held, a lot more tourists are expected to visit the “Switzerland of Asia” in the coming summer.

“Those who have suffered losses at the hands of terrorists need to be compensated properly. Whatever is being done for the revival of the tourism is purely our own efforts,” said Zahid Khan, adding that the industry needed interest-free loans to upgrade their outlets for attracting tourists.

The road from Mingora to Kalam has never been paid any attention by the government and tourism promoters. This road winding through the mountains along river Swat needs proper repair to ensure smooth journey from Mingora to Kalam.

http://thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=219526