PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) recorded 30 foreign tourists and 75,000 domestic visitors across the province’s key destinations during the brief New Year period.
As 2025 drew to a close, Pakistan's northwestern province witnessed a massive surge in tourism fueled by a picturesque winter spell, a fitting end to a record-breaking year.
According to data released by KPCTA, a powerful weather system brought heavy snowfall and rain across the province, ending a prolonged dry spell and drawing thousands of visitors eager to witness the seasonal transformation.
The Swat Valley emerged as the premier attraction, welcoming a staggering 52,788 domestic tourists and 28 foreign visitors during the final days of December.
Other regions also saw significant activity; Naran and Kaghan hosted 3,300 visitors, while even remote areas like the Kumrat Valley and the Kalash Valley recorded hundreds of arrivals.
The Galiyat region, in particular, became a focal point for winter enthusiasts.
While 19,000 tourists visited the area in the final days of December, the influx intensified as the year turned to 2026. Shah Rukh Ali, Director General of the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA), reported that more than 30,000 tourists flooded the area during the first two days of the new year.
Approximately 6,200 vehicles ferried travelers into the region. Despite this heavy volume, traffic flow remained smooth, mainly because tourists used the Harnu and Barrian routes from Abbottabad.
More importantly, DG Shah Rukh Ali confirmed that this high volume of visitors was handled safely, with no accidents or complaints reported across the region.
The success was achieved through the strategic deployment of newly renovated snow-clearing machinery and the constant vigilance of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Police.
The efforts of the local authorities ensured that the transition into 2026 was both a festive and secure experience for travelers from across the country.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
