ASTORE:Provincial Minister for Tourism, Fida Khan here on Monday said that private sector was being encouraged to promote mountaineering, adventure and winter tourism in the province.

Talking to media persons here, he said world second highest peak, K-2, one of the toughest Nanga Parbat and others mountains peaks offer a lot of thrill and challenges to climbers and adventurers in Gilgit-Baltistan and the government would facilitate private sector in this regard.

Gilgit-Baltistan is a best place for tourism and his department is utilizing all resources for development of this key sector in the province, he maintained.

Most of upper areas of GB receive heavy snowfall in winter season and tourists come here to enjoy snowfall.

The facilities in government rest houses and hotels were enhanced besides affordable accommodations to tourists.

Safarnaga cold desert rally in Skardu besides Pakistan Cars rally has helped to promote tourism besides soft image of GB and Pakistan of being tourists and sports loving country.

Chief Minister Hafeez-ur-Rehman is extending full support to Tourism department for completion of ongoing projects besides implementation of reforms.-AFP