RTDC all set for upcoming tourism season in Rajasthan

Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) has brought down its net losses in 2009-10 by Rs.3.5 crore. The loss was approximately Rs.9.5 crore in 2008-09. It has come down to Rs.6 crore in 2009-2010. The Corporation hopes to make a turnaround in 2010-11. The prestigious luxury train, the Palace on Wheels, had a major role in bringing down the overall losses last year. According to RTDC Chairman and Managing Director Manjit Singh, the reduction in losses was achieved in a year despite recession and other factors. “Come 2011 and the Corporation would be out of the red,” he asserted. In 2009-10, the RTDC registered a profit of Rs.9.56 crore from the Palace on Wheels, Rs.1.90 crore from its accommodation facilities, Rs.1.80 crore from its restaurants and eateries, Rs.70 lakh from its bars and Rs.17 lakh from its transportation wing. “However, the new super luxury train, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, incurred a loss of Rs.2 crore,” Dr. Singh observed. He expects this train to turn profitable in 2010-11.

There is reason for optimism in the case of luxury trains as 90 per cent booking for the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels has already been confirmed for the forthcoming season. In the case of Palace on Wheels, 85 per cent booking is confirmed. Out of 1,390 seats in RROW for the coming season, 1,172 seats have already been confirmed. For POW, out of 2,000 seats, 1,580 are confirmed already. The Corporation proposes to embark on an aggressive marketing campaign for both its luxury trains as well as accommodation. Online booking for accommodation is already in place. Computerised billing in hotels and motels will also be operational this year. “Sixteen new package tours have been launched by the Corporation,” he added.