*Boosting Tourism in J&K: CM Omar Abdullah Directs SKICC, JKTDC to Enhance Services*

Srinagar, July 9: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired the board meetings of Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) and Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) at SKICC Srinagar. The meetings were held after the boards were reconstituted with the Chief Minister as chairman of both boards.

During the SKICC meeting, CM Omar Abdullah emphasized the need to promote SKICC for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. He directed the SKICC management to employ strategic marketing tools to target corporates, event planners, and government agencies to ensure higher bookings and minimize unutilized days.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over the under-utilization of SKICC and asked the Tourism department to build a distinct MICE brand identity for the SKICC. He also called for recovering outstanding dues pending with departments, private entities, and individuals.

In the JKTDC meeting, CM Omar Abdullah stressed the need to increase the visibility of JKTDC assets and improve services to enhance the experience of guests. He directed the JKTDC management to install smart meters in all properties, improve monitoring, and check misuse of assets.

The Chief Minister also called for developing a JKTDC app for efficient marketing and better accessibility to its services. He directed the JKTDC management to adopt best practices being followed in the private sector to improve its functioning.

The meetings were attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and other senior officials. The CM’s directives are expected to give a boost to tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, leveraging the potential of SKICC and JKTDC.