Managing Director of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Abdul Ghafoor on Tuesday said that around 2.5 million domestic and foreign tourists expected to visit northern area Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) by the end of this year 2018.

He said the arrival of tourists to the region tripled 1.78 million in 2017 including 6,212 foreign tourists, as compared to 0.5 million in 2013,earning revenue of roughly Rs300 million to the local economy .

He said foreign tourists enchanted by the natural beauty, cultural and historical landmarks and hospitality of the GB people which made the area their place of choice.

The recent influx, consistent with a rise in global tourism, follows the improvement in Karakorum Highway (KKH), stable peace conditions and publicity of the region through the fast-growing social and electronic media he added.

He said tourism sector has witnessed a substantial boost in GB during the last five years – APP