(TAN): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched an Integrated Tourism Development Project in partnership with the International Development Association and World Bank to promote tourism in the province, reported RS.news.
The government launched a USD 70 million project for upgrade and protection of nine archeological sites in order to promote religious tourism.
The sites include Shapola Stupa and Jamrud Fort in Khyber district; the Bhamala Khanpur, three historic mosques in Swat; Pashmal Mosque, Udigram Mosque, Kalam Mosque, Mardan Museum, Hund Museum Swabi; and Chakdara Museum Lower Dir.
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The provincial tourism department has said that the sites which are going to be rehabilitated have global importance. The officials also added that before 9/11, many tourists were visiting Buddhist places in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Later the number of tourists decreased due to poor law and order.
Tourist arrivals increased after law and order was improved. But the tourism in the area has suffered a fresh blow due to the coronavirus pandemic.
