The Punjab government has substantially increased the development funds allocation for the tourism sector from Rs 400 million to Rs 1.5 billion for the fiscal year 2019-20, an increase of 275 percent. The government is aiming to transform Punjab into a preferred tourist destination for national and international tourists. According to the Punjab Budget 2019-20 documents, Rs 298.669 million will be spent on 19 on-going schemes whereas Rs 1,188.734 million has been earmarked for 18 new schemes. Moreover, Rs 12.597 million has been set aside for two projects to be initiated on public-private-partnership (PPP) basis.
The Punjab government has shown its intent of promoting tourism in the province from day one in the office and making this sector a visible player in the growth of provincial economy. As per the Annual Development Progarmme 2019-2020, the government intends to achieve the following objectives: to explore and develop new tourist destinations and promote tourism by providing quality infrastructure; ensure a wider availability of knowledge base on tourism and dissemination of such information through web and social media platforms; and ensure availability of a well-trained skilled workforce in tourism and hospitality industry for both national and international levels.
The government is also looking into avenues to capitalize resources by undertaking feasible projects for which, it claims, financing is available from the private sector. Keeping in mind the prevailing security situation, the government has shown intent of taking measures to ensure adequate arrangements for safety and security of both domestic and international tourists.
The government has chalked a number of new initiatives to be launched in the next fiscal year. Among the new projects include establishment of a thematic food court, arts and craft shops, and provide entertainment activities, such as like zip lining, wall climbing and walkways, at Patriata hill station, near Murree and mechanical upgradation of cable car and chairlift at Patriata. The government has planned to establish a theme park on line of the Disney Land in Punjab, for which an allocation has been made for it feasibility study and land acquisition. Other projects include establishment of an entertainment park with water sports and other facilities at Dhok Talian Lake, establishment of Tilla Jogian - Rohtas Fort Parkway, and starting sightseeing double-decker buses in Bahawalpur and Multan on PPP basis. Moreover, a scheme will be launched to set up of an entertainment park at Khabeki Lake in District Khushab.
The government will spend money on showcasing Punjab through documentaries, publications, portal, participation in international tourism expos, tourism event management and awareness and promotion of heritage sites. Moreover, to promote desert safari at Cholistan Desert, at camping village and sites will be developed in the area. Three schemes will be started for land acquisition for construction of resorts at Attock Khurd and Head Panjnad. The government also intends to upgrade the Changa Manga Resort and ensure provision of missing facilities in the forest. To explore tourism potential in Chakwal, a feasibility study will be carried out to identify areas and in this connection draft a master plan. Also, after renovation and rehabilitation of 12 guest/rest houses in Punjab will be handed over to provincial tourism department.
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