GILGIT: The first ever ‘All Pakistan Women Tourist and Mountain Guiding Training Camp’ concluded at Passu-Gojal in upper Hunza on Monday.

Pakistan Youth Outreach Foundation (PYOF) in collaboration with the Canadian High Commission organised the weeklong training session.

Twenty-two girls from across the country participated in the camp, getting both theoretical and practical training necessary to become a professional tour guide, according to the organisers.

The girls received training on how to professionally deal with a client from arrival till departure.

Canadian High Commissioner Wendy Gilmour was the chief guest at the closing ceremony.

On the occasion, Ms Gilmour said: “I’m extremely happy to be among the people of Passu. The landscape of this place is really beautiful and I’m particularly thrilled to be here with PYOF and Mirza Ali of Youth Outreach Foundation and to see the enthusiasm of these girls who are the real future of Pakistan”.

“Canada is known as winter country and similarly I see in this part of Pakistan that winter tourism has great opportunities, which need to be promoted and supported,” she said.

She said the Canadian government would continue to support tourism, women development of Pakistan.

The event was attended by a large number of villagers, including women.

Community leader of Passu, Faqeerullah Khan, presented a detailed presentation, discussing facts about the landscape, culture, history of the valley and the two glaciers found in the area.

He talked about the increasing pollution caused by the rapid flow of tourists. He said Glacial Lake Outburst Flood phenomenon had caused huge land erosion in Passu valley.

The community requires a large amount of funding to deal with this critical issue, he demanded.

The participants were awarded with certificates, and they felt proud to be part of this training camp. “We feel confident and empowered after attending this camp. We are ready to serve our country in the field of tourism with our professional skills,” Nadia Ali, a participant, said.

Later, the participants trekked to the Hussaini Bridge from Passu led by the Canadian high commissioner.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2020