Mr. Zubair Baweja Vice President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry in a press statement said that due to continuous financial losses in PTDC Motels located in Northern areas of Pakistan and amid COVID-19 pandemic, though it’s unfortunate to close the hotels, but it was necessary for the survival and future viability of these motels and create employment in the area.
He further emphasizes private sector that the consequent upon closure of operations of the company, there is a need for private sector to come forward and support the government in rehabilitations and expansion of these Motels to make their operations commercially viable. As you know, Investors are always keen to establish lodging facilities in northern areas of Pakistan due to its special attraction for the tourists and a lot of land available there and now the government should lease out these Motels and land to private sector, who could easily convert these properties to good quality hotels with international standards and brand to boost tourism. PTDC motels were ideally situated for tourists to rest and then wake up the next morning and continue their journey farther into the north.
He said that this step would develop these areas for tourism, and massive good employment opportunities could be created in Northem Areas by creating good hotels there. If those hotels motels are given to the private sector, then good facilities can be provided to the tourists as investors are always capable to upgrade and convert standard hotels, if given chances.
He further informed that about 24 or 25 properties now shut down in the entire north other than the six ‘sick’ motels and restaurants, the corporation had closed down in March last year. Last yearalso, the PTDC had shut down its motels at Taxila in Punjab, Chattar Plain in KP, Astak in Gilgit-Baltistan and at Khuzdar in Balochistan,as well as Chakdara restaurant in KP and Daman- i-Koh restaurant in Islamabad.
Mr. Zubair Baweja Vice President FPCCI raised the voice of Pakistan Hotels Association and extends full cooperation to work on above lines for privatization of these properties and private sector should come forward to support the government in rehabilitation of these motels. We suggest that investors be facilitated to develop and convert above properties to make them viable business ventures as it creates employment opportunities for the local community and carn foreign exchange for the exchequer.
