Mehbooba asks JKTDC to evolve new modules of tourist business

SRINAGAR, MAY 30: Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today asked the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) to evolve new modules of tourist business for the optimal utilization of its assets.

Chairing the Board of Directors meeting of the Corporation here today, the Chief Minister asked the JKTDC management to devise strategies for full utilization of its assets by developing successful modules of occupancy and providing varied attractions to tourists.

The Chief Minister, who is also the chairperson of the corporation, asked the JKTDC management to explore development of wayside facilities at National Highway and Mughal Road and strengthen wherever these already exist. In this regard she asked them to tie up with NHAI to develop some joint modules. “In the current cut throat competition scenario, the Corporation should instill confidence among the customers with its reliable service, excellent marketing and variety of products”, she observed.

Mehbooba Mufti also asked the Corporation management to undertake valuation of its assets and also categorize the units in terms of revenue generations so that the loss making units could be outsourced after proper bidding. She also directed to close all pending legal issues of the Corporation by forcefully fighting out in the courts.

The meeting was informed that the Corporation was set up in 1970 to provide basic infrastructure to tourists at prime locations. At present it has 1750 rooms in its possession with a bed capacity of 3400, the meeting was told.

Minister of State for Tourism, Priya Sethi; Vice-Chairman, JKTDC, Rafi Ahmad Mir; Commissioner-Secretary, Finance, Navin Choudhary; Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Rohit Kansal; Secretary, Tourism, Farooq Ahmad Shah; MD, JKTDC, Mehmood Ahmad Shah and other Directors of the Board were present in the meeting.