PAKISTAN is proud to inherit an unparalleled combination of history, culture and enormous natural beauty. As a nation we may be young, but as a country, we are custodians of ancient civilizations of the Indus Valley and Gandhara and treasurers of the marvelous Mogul heritage. It is a cradle of many ancient civilizations and religions. Our cultural diversity and architectural heritage manifest a unique blend and richness of the nations that ruled this land. Pakistan is fortunate to possess the world’s indomitable ranges of mountains namely the Pamirs, the Hindukush, the Himalayas and the mighty Karakorams — the majestic mountain ranges have witnessed adventure and mountaineers alike.
Pakistan over the years has invested substantial funds in opening the Northern Areas: unsurpassable earlier — development of an extensive infrastructure network has opened these awesome beauty to visitors and tourists. Not deterred by natural calamities as the earthquake of 2005, Pakistan tourist destinations continue to provide leisure and recreation to millions of visitors thereby setting a sustainable socio-economic cycle in motion — to see it is to believe it.
With the prime objective of promotion of tourism in remote and underdeveloped areas, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) launched its Motels Subsidiary (PTDC Motels) in 1976. From a modest beginning of 10 units, PTDC Motels have now expanded its boarding, lodging and restaurant facilities to 43 remote tourist destinations spread across the country. With over 600 rooms, it has now become the largest chain of motels & restaurants in Pakistan.
In line with government’s tourism development strategy, PTDC Motels were constructed to meet two primary objective; to open up new areas for tourism and set the pace for the private sector to follow, secondly, to initiate socio-economic development of the area. PTDC has been fortunate to meet with the objectives and presents an accessible and affordable facility at the most picturesque site nature has to offer.
They are set up in areas where private sector is shy to invest or where infrastructure facilities are not yet developed. Playing a role of pioneer and trendsetter, PTDC Motels have always opened up new and remote places for tourism thus bringing infrastructure (road, water, electricity, telephone etc) facilities and employment opportunities at the doorstep of the local communities. PTDC Motels lead the road to prosperity and development. Development of PTDC Motel at Naran (Kaghan Valley) in the 70s offer competitive facilities. There are over 100 hotels in private sector, there is an excellent road, electricity, phones and the place is full of tourists for three months during summer holidays. Motel along this legendary lake under the shadow of Nanga Parbat (8,126m), offers breathtaking views and facilities for a comfortable stay.
Managed by foreign trained staff, PTDC Motels offer a high standard of facilities on affordable rates no matter how remote or far-flung the area is. All motels are connected with the rest of the country through telephone and fax, whereas the central booking office located in Islamabad can take care of bookings for all of PTDC Motels.
Despite the downward trend in tourism because of socio-political conditions around the globe, the government of Pakistan is taking all measures to ensure a long-term strategy of tourism development. There is, however, need that Pakistan’s international and domestic tourists visit the destinations to witness the wonders of nature that Pakistan has been endowed with.
