The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority has made it mandatory for all tourism and hospitality-related businesses in the province to obtain a digital license through an online registration system. According to new directives, no hotel, restaurant, travel agency, tour operator, rent-a-car service, or tourist guide will be allowed to operate without prior registration and licensing.
Officials said the initiative aims to regulate the fast-growing tourism sector, particularly in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where tourism activity has increased significantly in recent years.
Ensuring Tourist Safety and Service Standards
A spokesperson for the Authority explained that the new system is designed to protect tourists and local citizens from exploitation while ensuring safe, standardized, and high-quality services. The regulation will also help bring all tourism-related businesses under a provincial legal framework, promoting accountability and professional service delivery.
Furthermore, the Authority will have the right to set and regulate prices for tourism services to ensure fairness and transparency between tourists and service providers.
Legal Action for Non-Compliance
Under the new system, any business that fails to register or obtain the required digital license will face legal consequences. The digitalization process will also help the government monitor operations efficiently, improving data collection, tourism planning, and policy implementation.
Officials added that the reform supports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s long-term goal of making tourism a sustainable and well-managed industry, aligned with modern governance and digital innovation.
