Punjab Secretary for Tourism and Archaeology Dr Ehsan Bhutta said that the Punjab government has allocated a substantial budget for the promotion of tourism in the province.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Pakistan’s correspondent Qasim Bukhari on the occasion of World Tourism Day, he said that tourism is a key driver in strengthening local culture and boosting the economy.

He said that the Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP) will upgrade 12 tourist sites to international standards, discourage the brick-and-mortar approach, and actively promote a green environment.

Highlighting Punjab’s tourism strategy, he said it focuses on two key areas religious tourism, particularly for Sikh pilgrims and heritage tourism, centered on Buddhist sites.

He said that Buddhist monks have recently praised the government’s efforts to safeguard and promote cultural heritage.