Preparation of Destination Investment & Management Plans (DIMPs)

Planning & Development Board, Government of Punjab in collaboration with World Bank Group (WBG) and multiple implementing agencies was implementing Punjab Tourism for Economic Growth (PTEG) Project with the total project cost of USD 55 million over five years. The project aims to promote the tourism sector by strengthening the institutional capacity through better skills development, increase private sector participation and improve infrastructure services in support of the tourism sector in the province of Punjab.

PTEGP engaged Hidria (Spain based consultancy firm) and Semiotics Consultants to prepare Destination Investment and Management Plans of 8 destinations/districts (16 sites). to identify required public and private sector investments that are required for an optimum tourism system that enables growth and diversity of the tourism offering in priority destinations. The management plans provided detailed recommendations for improved visitor management, heritage protection, and environmental preservation at existing priority sites and attractions. These management plans include course of action to help the authorities manage high-usage of sites by suggesting ways to safeguard heritage sites/attractions (linked to the investment plans where required and/or feasible).

Services Provided

Preparation of DIMP is divided into 2 phases, with 4 destinations/districts in each phase. In the first phase (currently under progress), the following priority destinations and sites are assigned:

  • District Rawalpindi (Kotli Sattian, Narar)
  • District Jhelum (Rohtas Fort and Khewra Salt mine)
  • District Chakwal (Katas Raj and Dharabi Lake)
  • District Bahawalpur (Dearawar Fort and Lal Suhnra National Park)

 

To prepare the DIMP of each site, the team initiated the work with the literature review and inception visits of the destinations/districts. Following inception visits, x finalized the eight sites in priority destination for further in-depth study. Carried out stakeholders identification and mapping exercise. Conducted a baseline survey of 2000 enterprises, 650 households, and 550 tourists in priority destinations to deeply understand all aspects of the sites.  In addition to that, organized Focus Group Discussions, In-depth interviews with stakeholders. Based on the primary and secondary research following main deliverables of each site have been prepared and shared with the client (finalization of deliverable number 6, 7, and 8 is under progress which will be followed by the dissemination workshops):

  1. Inception Report
  2. Desk Research
  3. Field survey and stakeholder consultations Report
  4. Investment Needs Reports
  5. Destination Management Plan (DMP)
  6. Destination Investment Plan for Concession Models
  7. Visitor Management Plan (VMP)
  8. Dissemination Workshops of DIMP and VMP

The final deliverables were analysed to meet the requirements of the World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESMF, Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) and other documents prepared for PTEGP together with the Covid-19 checklists on occupational health and safety standards.

Client

Punjab Tourism for Economic Growth Project (PTEGP) Planning & Development Board/World Bank