The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority has made it mandatory for all tourism and hospitality-related businesses in the province to obtain a digital license through online registration, According to the new directives issued by the Tourism Authority, no hospitality business will be allowed to operate without prior registration and licensing. The decision applies to hotels, restaurants, travel and tour operators, rent-a-car services, and tourist guides.

Officials stated that the new licensing system would help regulate the tourism sector, which has grown rapidly in recent years, especially in northern parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A spokesperson for the Tourism Authority said the move aims to safeguard citizens and visitors from exploitation and to ensure they receive safe and standardized services. The regulation also seeks to bring all tourism-related operations under the province s legal framework.

The Authority will now have the power to determine and regulate rates for various tourism services, ensuring transparency and fairness for both tourists and service providers. Under the new system, institutions failing to register or obtain the required digital license will face legal action. Authorities said that digitization will also help monitor operations more efficiently, improving data collection and tourism management in the province.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)