Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has planned to convert its Islamabad Tourism Information Centre (TIC) into 'Tourist Facilitation Centre' to serve the tourists in a more effective manner. The Facilitation Centre, equipped with telephone, fax, e-mail and internet facilities, would provide one-stop solution to the tourists in getting information, booking their accommodation and transport, official sources said here on Wednesday.
Talking to APP, they said that the Corporation has also established 'Tourist Information Centre at Benazir Bhutto Airport for tourists. Highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the concerned Ministry for promotion of tourism in Federal Capital, sources said that two PTDC restaurants have been constructed and are in operation at prime tourist locations--Daman-e-Koh, and Rawal Dam.
These restaurants were constructed with a vision to develop these tourist areas as in the past there was no restaurant or proper food facility available at these spots. Sources said that the Ministry of Tourism regularly publishes a comprehensive guide map on Islamabad, indicating its tourist attractions, hotels, transport, etc. These maps are distributed to tourists through PTDC Tourist Information Centres, PIA offices, Pakistani missions abroad, and foreign missions in Pakistan.
Moreover, on the occasion of International Women Day and International Mountains Day, PTDC, in collaboration with Adventure Club, Pakistan, had organised rock climbing competitions at Margallah Hills. Every year, on the occasion of Independence Day, PTDC organises city tour of Islamabad for SOS Village children, sources said, adding that on World Tourism Day, PTDC also organises tour of school children of Islamabad to different places around the city. Sources said that during the current financial year 2009-10, Rs 30 million has been allocated for the rehabilitation and preservation of Rohtas Fort.