MTDC posts 100% rise in revenues

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has recorded a 100 per cent rise in revenues to Rs 6.57 crore in 2006-07 from Rs 3.81 crore in the previous year.

"We will attribute the steep increase to our interactive website. Our customers can check the availability of rooms on the website apart from availing the booking facility," MTDC Deputy General Manager Vijay Chavan said here.

MTDC's website, which offers online booking facility as well as information on booking status at resorts across the state, was started in March 2006, the official said.

About 4,689 bookings on the website, of the total 24,922, fetched Rs 1.19 crore revenue in FY07.

Chavan said only 30-40 per cent of the bookings are done before hand while the rest are done on the spot.

"The website has been of help indirectly as people get to know of resorts and the room availability and make their travel plans accordingly," he said.

Apart from the website, Chavan attributed the growth in the revenue to the increased awareness in Maharashtra for the tourism sector due to MTDC's publicity campaign.

The MTDC is also working on innovative schemes to tap the tourism potential of the state to the fullest, Chavan said adding, the response to the Bed and Breakfast scheme, under which the MTDC gives approval to any local who wishes to rent out some rooms within his home, has been good.