ITDC to construct world-class convention centres

New Delhi, Oct 12 (UNI)The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) will construct world-class convention centres in Delhi, Guwahati, Bhubaneshwar, Jammu and Jaipur as part of its efforts to promote the country as a MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition) destination.

ITDC Managing Director Parvez Dewan told mediapersons that the work on the convention centre near its Ashok and Samrat hotels in Delhi would begin in April next year. It would have a seating capacity for 3,800 people. Expression of interest for the project had been received from 16 firms, out of which six are the world's best.

He said an international architect from the United States had come forward to construct the Guwahati Convention centre at Indian rates.

Mr Dewan said the ITDC would submit a project report for the Bubaneshwar convention centre tomorrow. The project report for Jammu and Jaipur are being prepared.

He said the ITDC, which runs 16 hotels across the country, would upgrade its facilities for its clients, but would not disinvest any of the hotels. However, it would allow more private restaurants to come up in its hotels.

Mr Dewan said the corporation would construct three hotels in Delhi in cooperation with the private sector on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in 2010.

He said the overall facilities at the Ashok hotel were being augmented, while upgrading the rooms.

In this context, he pointed out that an executive cardiology test and executive check up had been introduced for the benefit of those staying in Hotel Ashok. The scheme, being implemented in collaboration with the Escorts Heart Research Centre, had been received well by its clients. Under the scheme, a fee of 66 dollars was being charged for the transportation of the clients from the hotel and conduct the check up at the Escorts centre.

Likewise, the Ashok had also tied up with the Lal's Path Lab for conducting pathological tests of its clients. The samples are collected from the room of the clients and the results delivered within a few hours for 40 dollars. These charges would be built into the room rent as per the client's request.

"The two schemes are meant for foreigners and corporate clients.

It would help to leverage India's strength in medical field," Mr Dewan said.

He said the renovation works in its "Hotel Janpath" would be over on October 20.

Mr Dewan said the carpet in all its hotels would be replaced by wooden floors.

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