SAIDU SHARIF: Serena Hotel Swat, one of the most iconic landmarks of the Swat Valley, will officially close on January 1, 2026. The decision will bring an end to more than forty years of hospitality, heritage, and tourism service in the region.
Serena Hotels Pakistan confirmed the development in an official statement. The management thanked guests, staff, and the local community for their continued support. According to the statement, Serena Hotel Swat was not just a place to stay. It represented the culture, history, and tourism identity of the valley.
The hotel holds deep historical value. Its core structure, known as Wazir House, was built in 1936. It originally served as the office of the Wazir of the former State of Swat. Over time, it became a government guesthouse. Later, it was converted into the Swat Hotel. The property hosted several global dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.
A modern hotel block was later developed on over 44 kanals of land. In 2014, Wazir House was fully merged into the hotel complex. Serena Hotels took control of the property in 1985 under a 30-year lease. This lease was later extended. The hotel soon became a symbol of luxury tourism in northern Pakistan.
According to the Director General of KP Tourism, the lease has now expired. Serena Hotels decided not to renew it. He explained that the current market rent of Serena Hotel Swat is estimated between Rs40 and Rs50 million per month. However, Serena wanted to continue under the older lease terms. The government won all related legal cases. As a result, the lease expiry led to the closure decision. A new tender for the property will be announced soon.
The property was originally leased for Rs6 lakh per month in the mid-1980s. Today, the 46-kanal site generates an estimated Rs84 to Rs85 crore annually. This makes it a valuable revenue source for the provincial government.
Serena Hotel Swat is surrounded by lush gardens, tall trees, and scenic views. Its architecture and calm environment attracted tourists from around the world. The closure marks the end of an era for Swat’s tourism landscape.
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The closure of Serena Hotel Swat is a significant moment for the valley. It reflects changing policies, economic realities, and a new chapter for tourism management in the region.
