THE Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) is the main body responsible for the promotion of tourism. In Naran, Gilgit, Hunza, and Rama, the motels are brilliantly constructed, and on best possible sites. However, there are a few problems which need to be sorted out.

In rooms there were old, small, square TV sets, while in some motels, there were no TV sets at all. These should be replaced with the new LED TV technology.

There was no wifi in any PTDC motel. The wifi signals should be made available in each and every room. Since Gilgit-Baltistan receives a lot of rain and snow, all carpets should be removed. They can be replaced with wooden floors, or simple floor plaster. This will help eliminate the dampness and pungent smell.

The white light bulbs should be replaced with warm colour light for ambiance. All of the upholstery, bedding and mattresses were old and dirty. These should be replaced with new ones, and to be maintained regularly.

There were power shortages at night, despite a separate electric connection from the national grid. There was no standardisation. For example, some motels have buffet, some offer ala carte. The staff was demanding extra charges for heating, even though hot water and heating and cooling should be included in room charges. Besides, the staff should be properly trained according to international standards. In some cases bathrooms tiles were broken and toilet accessories were old or out of order. Overall, the condition was pathetic.

Under these circumstances, tourists will prefer private hotels over PTDC.I suggest PTDC’s board members should conduct sudden visits for quality check and auditing.

Omar Masood Khan
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2019