Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a massive surge in tourism during Eid-ul-Fitr, with over 262,000 visitors flocking to scenic destinations across the province. Swat Valley emerged as the top attraction, drawing the highest number of tourists.
According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, more than 101,420 tourists visited various destinations on March 21 and 22 alone. Among them, 27 were foreign tourists, reflecting international interest in the province’s scenic beauty.
Swat Valley remained the most popular destination during Eid, with over 58,000 visitors recorded in the first two days. The trend continued over the three-day holiday, with more than 186,000 tourists visiting Swat, according to Tourism Authority DG Usman Mehsud.
Galiyat, northern areas see strong turnout
Galiyat also attracted a significant number of tourists, with 30,450 visitors recorded in the first two days. By the end of Eid, a record 51,886 tourists had visited Galiyat.
Meanwhile, Naran Kaghan also received a notable influx of visitors, adding to the overall tourism surge.
Kalash Valley and Garam Chashma saw a combined total of 3,509 visitors during the initial days. Kumrat Valley also attracted 3,400 tourists, highlighting interest in lesser-explored destinations.
A total of 76 foreign tourists were recorded visiting different tourist spots across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during Eid. Officials say this reflects growing international appeal for Pakistan’s northern areas.
Authorities ensure tourist safety
Police and district administrations maintained continuous monitoring of tourist activities during the holiday period. To facilitate visitors, Tourism Police personnel had their holidays cancelled, ensuring smooth operations and assistance throughout Eid.
The large number of visitors during Eid-ul-Fitr underscores the increasing popularity of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a travel destination. Officials believe improved facilities and security measures are contributing to this rising trend.
