ISLAMABAD: A commitment has been made to open 60 new tourist destinations in Pakistan by 2022 to promote tourism.

According to details, the first meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) for the promotion of tourism was held which was chaired by the convener of the committee Zulfi Bukhari. The meeting was attended by representatives of four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and federal departments.

Zulfi Bukhari said that 10 new tourist destinations should be identified in the four provinces. Each province should submit the report of new tourist destinations to the committee in the next meeting and facilities for tourists would be arranged at these destinations.

He said that new tourist destinations should be opened to the public in a year. The committee is ready to provide free consultancy to international organizations to help the provinces. Mapping work on Buddha Trail has been completed. Japan, China and Korea are ready to provide funds on this trail.

Zulfi Bukhari said that tourism was damaged due to coronavirus, he also directed to ensure facilities for tourists in tourist places in winter and submit a report to the committee on encroachments of all provinces, also submit details of short and long term projects to the committee.

he also directed to nominate a permanent focal person for each province and departmental committee.