Reopening Of Swat Airport is an Opportunity to Boost Tourism. From Friday, the 26 of March 2021, PIA resumes flights towards Swat valley, initially, they operate two flights a week. The airline operates flights from Lahore to Skardu and Lahore to Gilgit Baltistan as well. While Pakistan has many cultural sites to visit. The tourism potential exists in scenic views in the northern areas as well.
Swat was once dubbed by Queen Elizabeth as ‘Switzerland of the East.’ It has a mesmerizing landscape. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa call it a pearl of Northern Areas of Pakistan.
This is a great opportunity for Pakistan to promote tourism in the Swat valley. The Chairman District Development Advisory Committee (DDAC) Fazal Hakeem Yousafzai on Thursday said the reopening of Swat Airport would revive international tourism in Swat. Interestingly, one may also visit the Durand Line during the flight for Swat Airport.
Best Places For Tourism In Swat Valley:
Pakistan is a country with abundant natural beauty and Swat is the proof of this statement. The beautiful Swat valley is also known as East Switzerland, There are numerous places to visit in Swat valley, here we have a list of the top 10 must-visit spots.
1. Kalam Valley
Kalam valley is a must-visit place for tourists, your trip would be incomplete without visiting Kalam. It is located at a distance of 90.9 km away from Swat Airport. Kalam is a tourist paradise, The river of Swat encompasses the whole valley with the soaring mountains, richly green lush forests. There are lots of hotels in the valley, where you can spend the night and enjoy your trip.
2. Malam Jabba
Malam Jabba is an exclusive ski resort in Pakistan. It is also known as the most famous hill station of Swat Valley in the Hindukush area. It is only 51 km away from Saidu Sharif Airport Swat. Moreover, the road to Malam Jabba is beautifully constructed and the tourists are attracted to this wonderful place.
3. Madyan
Madyan is one of the most wonderful hill stations of Swat. This hill station Madyan is famous for the beautiful swat river in its surroundings with a pleasant atmosphere. Madyan is 46.6 km away from Swat airport. Tourists love to visit Madyan special trout fish offered at the spot where you inhale freshness.
4. Kumrat Valley
Kumrat valley is the most beautiful place for adventure and camping and if you’re not comfortable with camping then resorts are also available here. Moreover, streams and waterfalls are abundant here. It is 150.2 km away from Swat airport. If you’re tired of your daily routine and want to relax you should visit this serene spot
5. Bahrain
Bahrain is another riverside hill station, where two rivers meet. There are many hotels for the tourist to stay in for the night and enjoy the cool breeze of Daral and Swat Rivers. Bahrain is 54.4 km away from Saidu Sharif Airport Swat.
6. Marghuzar
The Murghzar is a small town in Swat, about 13 kilometers from the Saidu Sharif Airport. Murghzar is known for his white marble castle, which was built by the Royal family of Swat in the 1940s, later the Whit Palace converted into Tourist Resort. A night view of White Palace brings joy and amazement.
7. Mahudand Lake
Mahudand Lake is one of the most attractive and charming places of Swat. The richly green meadows encircled the lake and the immense Hindu Kush peaks provide a complete environment with green meadows for the tourist for camping and fishing. It is located 122.8 km away from Swat airport.
8. Kundol Lake
In the huge mountains of Hindus Kush, there is Kundol Lake. This lake has a unique combination of white and green surroundings made of lush green forests and snowflakes. . Additionally, the lake is 9,950 feet above sea level, the best place to visit in summer, where you can fish and stay.
How This Sector Can Be Improved
- Most of Pakistan’s areas in Swat valley are difficult to access due to poor road infrastructure. Some of the roads are most dangerous. These roads should be constructed properly.
- Pakistan has a bad effect on the tourism environment in recent years, due to political instability and security problems. To boost tourism there is a need to resolve security issues within the region.
- There is also a need for public-private partnerships for improvement in infrastructure and growth of Businesses related to tourism.
- There is a need for more Investments that contribute to the growth and development of the tourism sector.
- Government should support businesses related to tourism and improvement of infrastructure to meet international standards.
- We need to arrange tourism promotion activities, marketing programs, and the creation of vacation packages to attract visitors.
How It Is Beneficial For Pakistan Economy?
The tourism industry plays a vital role in socio-economic development and has promising future growth potential in the country. Reopening Of Swat Airport is an also Opportunity to Boost Tourism. As PIA restarted operations in Swat, It is a great opportunity for Pakistan to promote tourism and earn a lot of revenue.
The revenue generated from tourism, will increase its share of GDP, generate employment, increase foreign-exchange earnings and also improve the infrastructure of a country.
The Swat tourism spot also helps unqualified and semi-skilled workers earn their livelihood. Tourism also increases the demand for food, transportation, furniture, and other businesses that is the most beneficial for local communities.
If we focus on the tourism industry, this will contribute to socio-economic development, and has promising future and growth potential in Pakistan.
