About the Directorate
History, mandate and functions of the Directorate of Tourist Services, Government of Sindh.
History of the Directorate
The Directorate of Tourist Services (DTS) Sindh functions under the Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives Department, Government of Sindh. Originally part of the Federal Ministry of Tourism, the Directorate was devolved to the Government of Sindh on 31st March 2011, pursuant to the 18th Constitutional Amendment, 2010.
The Karachi regional office, established in 1977, has since served as the principal office of the Directorate. Since devolution, DTS Sindh has functioned as the primary regulatory authority for the tourism sector in the province.
Role & Mandate
The Directorate is entrusted with the regulation and licensing of all tourism services across Sindh Province, ensuring that hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and tourist guides conform to the prescribed standards of quality, safety and professional conduct.
- Pakistan Hotels & Restaurants Act, 1976
- Travel Agencies Act, 2011
- Sindh Tourist Guide Act, 2011
Functions of the Directorate
The Directorate performs the following functions under the applicable laws:
- Registration, grading and grant of license to hotels and lodges
- Registration and licensing of restaurants and eating establishments
- Licensing of travel agencies and tour operators
- Certification and licensing of tourist guides
- Periodic inspection of licensed establishments to ensure compliance
- Redressal of public complaints regarding licensed establishments