The Punjab government has announced a major tourism development strategy for fiscal year 2026-27, including the establishment of the province’s first-ever Tourism Authority and plans to mobilize up to Rs. 471 billion in public and private investment.
According to budget documents, the new authority will regulate, promote and develop Punjab’s tourism sector through a coordinated institutional framework.
The plan is part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s Economic Transformation Vision and aims to make tourism a major contributor to the province’s economy.
Rs. 471 Billion Investment Plan
Under the Punjab Tourism Vision, the government expects total investment of Rs. 471 billion. This includes Rs. 171 billion from the public sector and Rs. 300 billion from private-sector participation.
Officials estimate that the tourism strategy could generate up to Rs, 450 billion in annual economic activity once fully operational. Tourist arrivals are expected to rise to between 18 million and 30 million annually.
The government has also launched a tourism internship program to train 1,000 young people for the growing tourism industry and improve employment opportunities in the sector.
Eight Tourism Circuits Planned
A major part of the strategy is the Destination Economy Initiative, under which eight tourism circuits will be developed across Punjab at a projected cost of Rs. 171 billion.
The planned circuits include Lahore, Religious Tourism, Potohar, Salt Range, Cholistan, South Punjab, Eco-tourism and Heritage.
Officials said the circuits are designed to improve connectivity, tourism infrastructure, visitor facilities and investment opportunities across the province.
Billions Allocated for Tourist Destinations
The budget proposes Rs. 1 billion for the upgradation of tourist destinations in Chakwal, Rajanpur, Kasur and Murree.
Tourism development projects in Changa Manga and Chashma are being implemented at a total cost of Rs. 8.71 billion. The government spent Rs. 5.55 billion on tourism-related projects during the current fiscal year.
Eco-tourism projects have also been launched in Changa Manga, Uchhali and Chashma. For FY 2026-27, Rs. 1.2 billion has been allocated specifically for eco-tourism initiatives aimed at preserving natural habitats while expanding tourism opportunities.
A separate North Potohar Eco-Tourism Project has been included in the budget at a cost of Rs. 42 billion.
Murree Zoo and Lahore Safari Zoo Projects
The Bansara Gali Zoological Garden in Murree is currently under construction at a cost of Rs. 3.92 billion. The government has proposed Rs. 600 million for the project during FY 2026-27.
The Safari Zoo Lahore Master Plan will also be implemented at a cost of Rs. 7 billion.
Major Heritage Revival Projects
The government has proposed several major heritage projects, including Rs. 4 billion for the renovation and upgradation of the historic Taxila Heritage Site, one of South Asia’s most significant archaeological locations.
The Lahore Heritage Project will be launched at a cost of Rs. 31 billion, while Rs. 8 billion has been earmarked for the construction of a new block at the Lahore Museum.
Another Rs. 5.6 billion has been proposed for the Walled City of Rawalpindi project. The Chief Minister Lahore Heritage Revival Programme Phase-II will be launched at a cost of Rs. 12 billion.
The Religious Trail Punjab Project has also been included in the plan at a cost of Rs. 20 billion.
Officials said the establishment of the Tourism Authority and the launch of large-scale tourism, heritage and eco-tourism projects are part of the government’s effort to position tourism as a major pillar of Punjab’s economy.
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