LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has given principle approval for the province’s largest and most comprehensive tourism development plan, aimed at revitalizing 170 tourist sites and trails across Punjab to promote its cultural, religious, and historical heritage.
‘Magnificent Punjab’ App to Revolutionize Tourism
As part of the initiative, the Punjab government will launch its first-ever tourism app, ‘Magnificent Punjab’, offering virtual tours of 170 tourist locations.
The app will provide services such as:
- Travel bookings
- Hotel reservations
- Online food delivery
- Instant travel information via chatbot integration
Tourism Trails and Tourist Villages
The plan will introduce Punjab’s first-ever tourism trails, including:
- Walled City of Lahore Trail
- Mall Road Trail
- GT Road Mughal Heritage Trail
- Sikh Tourism Trail in Eminabad and Gujranwala
- Gandhara Trail featuring Taxila Museum, Dharmarajika Stupa, Julian Monastery, Sirkap, and Giri Fort
The government will also establish ‘Tourist Villages’ at key locations to offer visitors immersive cultural experiences.
Religious & Eco-Tourism Projects
Dedicated religious tourism trails will connect Gurdwaras and historic churches, while sites like Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh in Multan and Uch Sharif will be restored for pilgrimage tourism.
Eco-tourism projects will be launched at:
- Changa Manga Forest Park
- Lal Suhanra National Park
Governance and Future Development
To ensure sustainable tourism development, the Punjab government will introduce the Punjab Tourism & Heritage Authority Act 2025.
CM Maryam Nawaz expressed her vision to transform Punjab into a global tourism hub, pledging to upgrade all tourist sites to international standards. She also announced plans to develop Taxila as a complete tourist destination, including the construction of a five-star hotel to accommodate visitors.
