MINGORA: Winter festivals across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are attracting a growing number of domestic tourists, as snowfall and seasonal sports events bring visitors to the province’s northern districts and provide a boost to local economies.

Tourists from Pakistan’s plains have been travelling to snow-covered areas of Swat, Dir, Chitral, Abbottabad, and Mansehra to take part in skiing, snowboarding, trout fishing, and other winter activities. Officials and local businesses say the seasonal influx has increased economic activity in rural areas while promoting cultural interaction among visitors from different regions.

The annual winter sports festivals, held during January and February, have become a regular feature in destinations such as Swat Valley, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Upper Dir, and Chitral. These events are seen as contributing to tourism growth and strengthening Pakistan’s image as a winter travel destination.

Snowfall in Upper Swat, including areas such as Malam Jabba, Kalam, Bahrain and Osho Valley, has drawn thousands of visitors in recent weeks. Activities such as skiing and snowboarding have emerged as key attractions, particularly following snowfall forecasts.

Academics and tourism observers say the festivals provide more than recreational value. Professor Dr Khurshid Ahmed of the University of Peshawar said the surge in winter tourism supports rural livelihoods and creates opportunities for interaction among people from different cultural and social backgrounds.

Local businesses have reported higher demand during the festival period. Hotel operators, ski instructors, vendors and transport providers say the winter season has increased income opportunities across the region. Ataullah Yousafzai, a hotel manager in Kalam, said occupancy rates and revenues rise significantly during snow festivals, driven by visitors from across the country.

Beyond Swat, winter events are also planned or underway in Upper Chitral, Upper Dir, and Kaghan, featuring activities such as ice hockey, skiing, skating, mountain biking, archery, and cultural programmes. Previous festivals in Parwak village in Upper Chitral and Kaghalasht in Upper Dir attracted large crowds and are expected to draw similar interest this season.

The provincial government and tourism authorities say steps are being taken to manage visitor pressure and develop new destinations. According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism and Culture Authority, additional tourist sites and walking tracks are being developed to distribute tourist flows and protect natural areas.

Authorities have also announced plans for integrated tourism zones in Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra and Chitral, alongside infrastructure projects supported by international partners. New ski resorts, chairlift projects, camping facilities and sports theme parks are also part of long-term plans to expand winter tourism offerings.

Officials say the winter festivals not only support economic activity but also encourage responsible tourism and cultural exchange, as visitors from different parts of Pakistan gather in the province’s mountainous regions to experience seasonal sports and natural landscapes.