Tourism Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Bank of Khyber have signed a memorandum of understanding to implement the provincial government Homestay Tourism Program “Maizban”.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during a ceremony held at the Chief Minister House, with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in attendance as the chief guest.
This innovative initiative, launched by the provincial government, will initially be rolled out in seven districts: Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Swat. The project will begin with an estimated budget of Rs. 395 million.
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As part of the program, local residents will have access to interest-free loans of up to Rs. 3 million through the Bank of Khyber. These loans are intended to support the improvement of residential facilities for tourists. Eligible individuals can use the funds to renovate existing rooms or build two new rooms within their homes to accommodate visitors.
The accommodations will be equipped with essential amenities, such as bathrooms and kitchens, ensuring a comfortable experience for tourists. The loans will have a five-year repayment term, with repayments starting in the second year after disbursement.
