GRAND HYATT HOTEL U/C

ISLAMABAD: Underlining the steps being taken by the government to leverage the true tourism potential of Pakistan, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that government is encouraging the hotel industry in Pakistan to ease out the residential problems of tourists, investors and other visitors.

The Prime Minister was chairing a meeting about the establishment of Grand Hyatt Islamabad by a private sector company here on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan due to its landscape, historical and cultural background has great tourism potential. Also it has places like Taxilla, Takht Bai, Punja Sahib, Nankana Sahib which are the cradles of Buddist and Sikh civilizations.

However, due to lack of adequate facilities the religious tourism potential remains under utilized. The government is trying to package the facilities for the comfort of all kinds of tourists, said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan due to its geographical location is the natural hub for Western and Central Asian Countries. He said as a result of the increased interest of investors in Pakistan also, there is acute shortage of hotel rooms and the problem will be further intensified after the construction of new Islamabad Airport and the initiation of their services to Islamabad by more Airlines. The government, therefore, will facilitate the construction of hotels in Islamabad, said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister was informed that B&P Group is coordinating the Grand Hayyat hotel, Islamabad which will be the first Grand Hyall, hotel of Pakistan. The construction of this hotel, which will be located near convention Centre, Islamabad will be initiated in September this year and it will be completed in three years.