Province Report
Mansehra: The 7th National Tea Garden Festival 2026 concluded successfully at Hazara University and the PARC National Tea and High Value Crops Research Institute (NTHRI), highlighting Pakistan’s emerging potential in tea tourism, sustainable agriculture, and agri-tourism development.
The event was jointly organized by the Department of Tourism & Hospitality of Hazara University, PARC-NTHRI, and the Agritourism Development Corporation (ATDC), with support from Saiban Pakistan, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Food and Agriculture, and Saim Travels.
The festival brought together academicians, researchers, tourism professionals, tea growers, entrepreneurs, and students from various institutions including the Capital University of Science and Technology, the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Hazara University. Participants also included members of the Mansehra Chamber of Commerce, tea importers, and representatives of the business community.
Prof. Dr. Sar Zamin Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Peshawar, attended as chief guest and praised the organizers for promoting Pakistan’s tea sector and agri-tourism potential. He emphasized that research, innovation, and institutional collaboration are essential for the sustainable growth of the industry.
A panel discussion titled “Reviving Pakistan’s Agri-Tourism” focused on transforming tea gardens into viable tourism destinations. Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO) Chairman Capt. Niaz Ahmad highlighted the integration of tourism with agriculture, while other speakers discussed commercial opportunities, sustainability, climate awareness, and rural development models. Experts also emphasized women’s empowerment and the role of biological sciences in strengthening rural economies.
The festival featured tea exhibitions, cultural performances, handicraft displays, and traditional food stalls, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs and artisans to showcase their products. Shields and certificates were distributed among participants and organizers in recognition of their contributions.
A guided visit to PARC-NTHRI tea gardens and processing facilities was also arranged, where Dr. Riaz Alam briefed participants on modern tea cultivation and processing techniques, showcasing the sector’s growth potential in Pakistan.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Dr. Ikramullah Khan appreciated the collaboration among academia, researchers, and industry stakeholders, stating that such initiatives strengthen academic-industry linkages and enhance the international profile of Pakistan’s high-value agricultural regions.
The festival concluded with a renewed commitment to promote Mansehra and Shinkiari as emerging hubs for sustainable tea tourism and agri-tourism in Pakistan.
