Swat is no longer considered the troubled North of Pakistan; tourists are now flocking at its snowy peaks and it is now emerging as one of Pakistan’s top tourist destinations. Despite heavy snowfall. Swat is getting lots of tourists for the Winter Festival 2020.
Mallak Faisal Zafar is a 12 year old figure skater who has travelled all the way from Dubai (UAE) to participate in this festival. “I am excited to be back in Pakistan and participate in the festival. I love the facilities here”, Mallak said. She was particularly enthused to see the passion for the winter games in the region and was glad to see the local girls trying skating for the first time.
The festival featured different activities for the participants as well as a the locals; it had several winter games like skiing, speed skating, tobogganing, sledding and ice hockey! Apart from this, the festival also held music shows, food stalls and art and culture exhibits as well. The white snowy fields have turned into a vibrant sports and entertainment arena by the visitors
This three-days Winter Festival 2020 was held at Malam Jabba ski resort from January 17th -19th. The ski resort is at a height of almost 9000 feet above sea level and is working fabulously to promote adventure and winter tourism in Pakistan. The organization of the gala was done together by Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP), Swat district administration and the ski resort management.
This festival is a clear example of how improved security in Pakistan has brought a revival of winter tourism in the Swat Valley and the rest of the region as well. The locals are rejoiced at this increase in tourism. Apart from this, another winter sports camp was organized in Chitral in the first week of January which was attended by 50 adventurers. This has opened new opportunities for the locals with the promotion of the winter sports and tourism in general.
