The Sindh Culture and Tourism Department on Wednesday instructed private hotels and restaurants not to increase rents or charges, warned tour operators against abandoning pilgrims, stating that strict action would be taken against those who fail to fulfil their commitments.
Following the fuel hike, several hotels and lodges located on Super and National highways raised their fares, while tour operators cancelled or suspended pilgrim tours despite prior commitments, prompting the Sindh Culture and Tourism Department to take notice of the situation.
In its letter, the department directed restaurants to refrain from overcharging customers in the current circumstances. Additionally, it emphasised that, in the interest of the public, rents should also be reduced during these times.
Later, during a meeting of the Department of Tourist Services, chaired by Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, it was decided that travel agencies found defrauding pilgrims travelling for Umrah and other religious visits would have their licences cancelled. Strict action would be taken against any tour operator involved in such practices.
The meeting further decided that historic havelis and houses along highways in Sindh would be utilised by tour operators to provide accommodation for tourists. Staff associated with these facilities will be trained through courses conducted by the Sindh government’s training institute.
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The minister directed authorities to modernise facilities for tour operators as well as the registration system, emphasising that the government was seeking to provide direct relief to the public under an austerity drive.
Shah added that activating historic buildings for tourist accommodation would not only provide peaceful lodging but also connect visitors with the province’s history and culture.
The government earlier in the month notified a Rs55-per-litre increase in petrol and diesel prices, a move that has affected commuting costs and placed additional pressure on various sectors of society. On Sunday, authorities approved a further Rs200-per-litre increase in the fuel levy on high-octane fuel used in luxury vehicles, pushing its price above Rs600 per litre.
The Sindh government, earlier this month, had announced several austerity measures, including closing schools across the province from March 16 to 31, introducing work-from-home for government employees on Fridays, and suspending all government-funded refreshments in public offices for the next two months.
