Heritage caravan, under the Tourism Corporation (KP-TC), visited historic sites in scenic valley of Swat. The heritage caravan members included senior citizens, teenagers, and students. During weeklong visit to valley, the 26 members caravan had explored historic locations and sites, including Shangardar Stupa, Odigram Mosque, Barikot, and But Kara-I and took keen interest in remains of ancient period.
For promotion of archaeological tourism in Swat, the Italian mission had already launched a three-year heritage management plan, in which archaeological tourism is also a component of the project. Explaining the aims and objectives of the programme, the Mission would engage excavation, preservation, conservation historic sites, and promotion of archaeological tourism in the valley.
In this regard, he maintained that the Archaeological Community Tourism (ACT) programme in collaboration with Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Khyber Pakhtunkwa, has so far launched in the Swat. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Minister for Sports, Tourism &and Archaeology, Syed Aqil Ali Shah said that the government would establish a tourists information centre keeping in view historic importance of the sites.
Azam Khan, Secretary Culture, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said that the Swat museum would be rehabilitated within one year, which will be opened for tourists. Dr Abdul Samad, Consultant Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said that the Italian mission has engaged to excavation and preservation of historic sites. For the purpose, he said it had devised a three-year heritage management plan in Swat. He expressed the hope that the project will not only helpful to promote archaeological tourism in Swat, but also preserve and conserve ancient heritage along with generate 300 jobs opportunities for youth.
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