Pakistan’s government just put real weight behind a plan to develop 20 new tourist destinations in Pakistan, and this one comes with actual directives, not just talk. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high level meeting and told officials to move fast on infrastructure, investment, and connectivity.
If you’ve been waiting for proof that Pakistan’s tourism push is more than a headline, this is it. Here’s what’s actually been confirmed, what regions are getting priority, and what this means if you’re planning to visit before the crowds catch on.
What the Government Actually Announced
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to build out a comprehensive action plan for new tourist destinations in Pakistan, with a focus on world class hotels, resorts, recreational facilities, and better connectivity (source).
He also stressed that every new development has to be climate resilient. That’s a notable detail, since a lot of past tourism pushes in Pakistan skipped over sustainability entirely.
Tourism Coordinator Sardar Yasir Ilyas presented an extensive plan during the same meeting, aimed at expanding tourism’s contribution to Pakistan’s GDP and welcoming more foreign visitors.
What’s Confirmed vs What’s Still Pending
The full list of 20 new tourist destinations in Pakistan has not been made public yet. What’s confirmed is the directive itself, the priority regions, and a few flagship locations mentioned by name. What’s still pending is the detailed rollout. There’s no public timeline for when each location will be development ready, and no confirmed budget breakdown by region.
That gap matters if you’re trying to plan a trip around this news. Treat this as a real commitment in progress, not a finished tourism map.
Where the Government Is Focusing First
Officials have pointed to specific regions as starting points, prioritizing projects that can move quickly.
Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan is getting the heaviest early focus, which tracks with how much attention it already gets from trekkers and photographers. Hunza Valley, Skardu, and Fairy Meadows are the names attached to this region so far.
For a sense of what’s already considered a must-see here, our guide to famous landmarks in Pakistan covers several spots in this exact region.
Kashmir
Kashmir is the second priority zone, with officials specifically asking for projects that can be implemented quickly rather than long term builds. Swat Valley falls into this cluster and is expected to see upgraded facilities.
Islamabad and Punjab
Islamabad made the priority list too, likely because existing infrastructure makes it the fastest region to develop. Punjab’s contribution leans on heritage sites like Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens, and Badshahi Mosque.
If you want more background on how Pakistan’s older cities factor into this kind of planning, our piece on Pakistan’s historical cities is worth a read.
Sindh and Coastal Areas
Sindh wasn’t named as a top priority in the initial directive, but Mohenjo-daro and the province’s coastal areas are part of the broader national tourism push. Desert regions are getting attention too.
If deserts interest you more than mountains, check out our breakdown of desert tourism in Pakistan.
[Image suggestion: Map of Pakistan with priority tourism regions highlighted. Alt text: new tourist destinations in Pakistan priority regions map]
The Money and Investment Behind the Plan
This is where the government angle gets concrete. There’s an actual financial case being built around this push, not just a wish list.
Tourism Revenue Goals
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia said the country attracted over one million international tourists in 2025, an increase of 820% compared to previous years (source). Pakistan is also targeting fifty thousand tourists annually from Russia alone, aiming for one billion dollars in revenue from that market.
Statista’s market forecast backs this up at a broader level, projecting Pakistan’s travel and tourism sector to grow at an annual rate of 6.75% between 2025 and 2029 (source).
National Tourism Expo and Investment Conference
A National Tourism Expo and Investment Conference is being planned in Islamabad specifically to bring in global and domestic investors. This follows Pakistan Travel Mart 2026 in Karachi, where Malaysia and Ethiopia both showcased their own tourism sectors and explored partnerships with Pakistani officials (source).
This signals something important. New tourist destinations in Pakistan aren’t just being announced, they’re being pitched to investors with real numbers attached.
Why This Push Is Happening Now
Rising International Tourist Numbers
The 820% jump in international visitors didn’t happen by accident. Pakistan is capitalizing on a window where unrest in other regions is pushing travelers to consider new destinations they might have skipped before.
Regional Competition for Tourists
Other countries are actively competing for the same travelers. Malaysia’s own Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign was promoted at the same Karachi expo where Pakistan showcased its plans, which tells you this is a competitive race, not a guaranteed win.
That competitive pressure is likely a big reason this plan is moving with real urgency instead of sitting as a future goal.
If You Are Planning to Visit Soon
If you’re considering a trip to any of these regions, the smart move is booking ahead and checking recent traveler reports, since some areas still have limited hotel capacity while development catches up.
Weather matters too. Most northern regions are easiest to visit between April and October. Our guide to Pakistan’s seasons can help you time it right.
It’s also worth checking current travel advisories before locking in plans, since a few regions still carry security guidance from foreign governments.
Final Thoughts
This plan for new tourist destinations in Pakistan is one of the more substantial government commitments we’ve seen on tourism in a while, backed by real investment goals and a clear sense of urgency. The full list isn’t out yet, but the direction is.
We’ll keep updating this piece as the government releases more details, so check back with us on Landin.pk if you want to stay ahead of the announcement instead of catching it after the fact.
