Urdu Report Desk
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is working on a range of projects to promote tourism, improve access to new destinations, expand adventure tourism and enhance facilities for visitors, while exploring the use of artificial intelligence in the tourism sector.
More than 14.4 million domestic and foreign tourists visited six major tourist destinations in the province during the past year.
World Tourism Day 2026
World Tourism Day is being observed on September 27 this year under the theme “Tourism and Peace.”
According to Director General of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority Shahid Khan Mohmand, tourists increasingly use digital platforms and artificial intelligence to plan their trips. He said it is therefore important to use modern technology to effectively present information about tourist destinations and promote their identity around the world.
Tourist Arrivals Across Major Destinations
According to data from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, 14,403,493 domestic tourists and 7,647 foreign tourists visited six major destinations between September 20, 2025, and September 19, 2026.
Among domestic visitors, Galiyat recorded 5,218,274 tourists, followed by Swat with 4,665,261, Naran Kaghan with 3,441,568, Kumrat with 938,726, Kalash Valley/Garam Chashma with 132,065 and Boni/Mastuj with 7,599.
Swat recorded the highest number of foreign tourists at 3,288. Kalash Valley/Garam Chashma received 2,617 foreign visitors, followed by Naran Kaghan with 893, Boni/Mastuj with 595, Kumrat with 136 and Galiyat with 118.
Officials said the tourist arrival data was collected from police and Levies checkpoints, the KP Tourist Police, assistant commissioners’ offices and field staff of relevant development agencies.
Access to New Tourist Destinations
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority is working on several jeep tracks to open new tourist destinations and improve access to existing areas.
These projects include the Thall to Jahaz Banda, Ayun to Bumburet and Laram Sar to Aso Kundo routes.
Promoting Adventure Tourism
Adventure training centers have been established in Swat and Chitral to promote adventure tourism. Local youth and communities are being trained in trekking, mountaineering, camping, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding and other activities.
Last year, the Trech Mir Summit was held, while more than 60 male and female trekkers participated in a trek to the Trech Mir Base Camp.
Plans also include training activities leading to the base camp of Swat’s high peak Falak Sar, along with a Falak Sar summit and other trekking activities.
Tourism Helpline and Tourist Police
The 1422 Tourism Helpline and Tourist Police system are also operational in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to provide timely assistance and facilitate tourists.
According to officials, the 24-hour helpline provides information, complaint resolution, emergency response and other necessary services. Tourist Police assist visitors with first aid, emergencies and other issues at tourist destinations.
Connecting Local Communities With Tourism
A host tourism programme is also being implemented to connect local communities in tourist areas with economic opportunities.
Under the programme, interest-free loans are being provided for five years to local residents in Swat, Chitral, Dir, Mansehra and Abbottabad.
Officials said 91 people have received loans during the first phase, while 25 guesthouses have completed their projects. Under the programme, local residents are preparing rooms in their homes for tourists or renovating existing rooms.
Facilities at Dams and Waterfalls
The authority is also working on projects to provide facilities at small dams, waterfalls and other tourist destinations across the province.
Facilities including prayer areas, washrooms, information desks, seating areas, car parking, tuck shops and security are planned at locations including Tanda Dam, Jahangira, Jalozai, Sanam Dam and Zibi.
Basic facilities are also being provided for tourists at Sajikot, Umbrella Waterfall, Jarogo, Laramchar, Kumrat and Chhajiyan Waterfall, among other locations.
Artificial Intelligence in Galiyat
With artificial intelligence playing an increasing role in tourism, preparations are under way to introduce an innovative project in Galiyat.
The project aims to use artificial intelligence to collect data and provide information on weather conditions, current traffic situations, crowd levels at tourist destinations and other important information through large digital screens.
The system will also include alerts for tourists before they reach key destinations, helping them receive information about possible conditions in advance.
Technology and Tourism
Shahid Khan Mohmand said World Tourism Day 2026 calls for technology and tourism to complement each other, while ensuring that local communities benefit economically from tourism.
He said the objective is also to enable tourists to travel across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with greater safety, convenience and confidence.
