ISLAMABAD: The seven-day winter festival is all set to boost tourism and showcase the stunning beauty and landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan from January 15, 2024.
The festival being organized by the Department of Tourism, Sports, and Culture in collaboration with private partners, aims at highlighting the region’s potential as a year-round destination. Starting with winter sports events in all ten districts with an emphasis on promoting national ice hockey championships and local cultural activities, the festival is a significant step toward putting Gilgit-Baltistan on the global tourism map, Director Tourism GB Sajid Khan told the state-run news agency on Sunday.
Minister for Tourism, Sports, and Culture, Ghulam Mohammad, expressed the region’s commitment to showcasing its beauty through sports in all seasons. This initiative follows the success of the Sarfa Ranga Skardu festival in autumn. The festival’s expansion to all ten districts, including the hosting of the National Ice Hockey Championship, marks a strategic move to attract tourists from around the world.
Minister for Planning and Development, Raja Nasir Ali Khan, emphasized the government’s efforts to position Gilgit-Baltistan as a year-round tourist destination. The goal is to organize events aligned with each season, with the winter festival set to become a regular highlight. Gilgit-Baltistan, already hailed as the hub of Pakistan’s tourism, seeks to convey a positive image globally through such initiatives.
Despite being one of the world’s most beautiful regions, Gilgit-Baltistan faces under-appreciation, according to Additional Chief Secretary Captain Mushtaq Ahmed. The seven-day winter festival aimed to spotlight the positive aspects of Pakistan, especially Gilgit-Baltistan, through local winter sports and cultural events. The organizers aspire to dispel misconceptions and showcase the region’s potential as a premier winter sports destination.
With the successful organization of last year’s events attracting around 400 million foreign tourists, Gilgit-Baltistan is poised for even greater success. The collaboration between the government and private partners remains crucial for the continued success of such initiatives, ensuring that the region’s untapped potential is recognized on a global scale.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Winter Festival stands as a testament to the region’s determination to showcase its year-round beauty, promote winter sports, and create a positive global image. The event promises to be a blend of cultural richness, sportsmanship, and environmental awareness, inviting the world to explore the hidden gem that is Gilgit-Baltistan.
