Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation has registered a business of Rs 22.33 crore in first two quarters of the financial year 2016-17 with 55% occupancy in establishments located in Kashmir and 37% in Jammu during the period.This was revealed by Managing Director, JKTDC, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary at a review meeting of the Corporation here today. The meeting was chaired by Secretary Tourism, Farooq Ahmed Shah.Jt Director P&S Omera Shafat, FA & CAO, Addl Secretary Tourism, GM Operations Jammu Anju Gupta, GM Operations Kashmir Sajid Naqash, GM Administration Reyaz Ahmed, GM Works Reyaz Ahmed Dar, Tour & Travels head Mushtaq Magray and other officers attended the review meeting.A new website of JKTDC was launched for providing a convenient booking platform for tourists and showcasing tourist destinations and attractions across the state. The website of JKTDC also contains information of latest packages and discounts for customers and offers for tourism promotion. On the sidelines of the meeting a Calendar of JKTDC was also launched which depicts the scenic beauty of various destinations in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh apart from providing a guide of accommodations and facilities in these areas. Tourism has been showcased as natural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Mr Farooq Ahmed Shah while reviewing the performance of Corporation asked for revamping the vacancy position in tune with modern tourism requirement for engagement of professionals, upgradation of orderlies as helpers, strengthening the proposal for regularisation of casual and daily-rated workers. He suggested for vigilance committee to inspect operations and asked for taking up training courses for staff at various units across the state. He asked the General Managers for frequent tours to units and strengthening enforcement wing. He also informed that board of JKTDC has been re-constituted and all the issues for consideration of board shall be fine-tuned for consideration especially regularisation. He asked for comprehensive business proposal for outsourcing of properties on booking basis.MD Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary also presented a resume of works taken up under SWADESH, PMDP, State Plan and corporation works. He further added about liability of payment to be cleared by Home Department, Revenue and Estates against rentals. He also underlined the strategy for bringing all units under cashless transactions and installation of CCTV cameras as well as upgradation of properties.Issues related to Pay Commission arrears, leave encashment, CP fund DA arrears, payment of works liabilities and recovery of amount were also discussed.JKTDC has also introduced cruise boats in Dal and Jhelum as a model tourism project. Corporation staff is being trained for cruise management.