Tourist rights and visitor safety remain a top priority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), one of Pakistan’s most popular tourism destinations. As domestic and international tourism continues to grow, the provincial government is taking significant steps to ensure that visitors enjoy a safe, fair, and memorable travel experience.
Under the directions of Malik Adil Iqbal, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Tourism and Culture, and Shahid Khan Mohmand, Director General of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), the Tourist Services Wing has intensified its efforts to address tourists’ concerns and improve service standards across the province.
Prompt Resolution of Tourist Complaints
According to the Tourism Services Wing, numerous complaints received over the past three months have been successfully resolved. These complaints were submitted by tourists, tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and members of the public.
The authority has demonstrated its commitment to protecting tourists by ensuring that grievances are addressed promptly and professionally.
Action Against Overcharging
One of the key focuses of the Tourism Services Wing has been tackling unfair business practices.
Authorities are taking strict action against hotels, restaurants, and tourism service providers found charging excessive or unauthorized fees to visitors. These regulatory measures are intended to promote transparency, fair pricing, and greater confidence among travelers visiting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
By discouraging overcharging and unethical practices, the government aims to maintain the province’s reputation as a welcoming and trustworthy destination.
Tourist Helpline 1422
Visitors experiencing any difficulty during their travels are encouraged to seek immediate assistance.
Tourists can:
- Call the Tourism Helpline 1422
- Contact the Tourism Police stationed at major tourist destinations throughout the province
These services are designed to provide rapid assistance, ensuring that visitors receive support whenever required.
Special Regulatory Campaign in Hazara and Malakand
According to Shah Nawaz Naveed, Controller of the Tourist Services Wing, a special regulatory campaign is being launched during the current month across the Hazara and Malakand divisions.
The campaign will focus on:
- Registration of hotels and guest houses
- Registration of restaurants
- Registration of rent-a-car services
- Renewal of tourism licenses
- Inspection of tourism businesses
- Action against unregistered tour operators
- Enforcement of tourism regulations
- Improvement of visitor service standards
These initiatives are expected to strengthen the tourism industry while ensuring that licensed businesses comply with provincial regulations.
Promoting Safe and Responsible Tourism
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has emerged as one of Pakistan’s premier tourism destinations, attracting visitors to famous locations such as:
- Swat Valley
- Kalam
- Malam Jabba
- Chitral
- Kumrat Valley
- Naran and Kaghan (gateway regions)
- Galiyat
- Thandiani
- Upper Dir
- Shangla
With increasing visitor numbers, maintaining quality standards has become essential. The Tourism Services Wing plays a vital role in ensuring that travelers receive reliable services while supporting legitimate tourism businesses.
Encouraging Responsible Tourism Businesses
The government’s regulatory initiatives are also beneficial for responsible tourism operators.
Licensed tour companies, hotels, transport providers, and restaurants that follow established standards help create a professional tourism environment where visitors can travel with confidence.
By reducing the number of unregistered operators, authorities hope to improve service quality and enhance Pakistan’s image as an emerging international tourism destination.
Building Confidence Among Travelers
Tourism thrives when visitors feel safe, respected, and fairly treated.
By strengthening complaint resolution mechanisms, expanding tourism policing, enforcing licensing requirements, and taking action against unethical practices, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority is working to build long-term confidence among both domestic and international tourists.
As Pakistan’s tourism industry continues to grow, initiatives like these demonstrate the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable, organized, and high-quality tourism throughout the province.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s commitment to protecting tourists reflects the province’s determination to become one of South Asia’s leading travel destinations. Through stronger regulation, prompt complaint resolution, fair business practices, and improved visitor services, the province is creating a tourism environment that benefits both tr
