TTDC expands online presence, nets 10 per cent more revenue
TTDC was among the first government-owned enterprises to introduce online booking of tours and hotels, as far back as in 2004.
Chennai: More than its package tours, the accommodation at prime locations in the State is most sought after by tourists. And as the state-owned Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) expanded its online presence, it registered about ten per cent more revenue this year compared to the previous year through online booking.
Much to the surprise of the officials, the corporation did roaring business during November and December 2016 when the old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currencies were banned.
“There had been many advanced bookings for our rooms and our customers had opted for cashless payment during the demonetisaion period,” a senior official said. The TTDC, which presumed that it would be affected by the demonetisation drive, saw its coffers getting filled.
At present the revenue through online booking has crossed about Rs 11 crore and by the end of 2016 - 17 fiscal it would reach Rs 12 crore, an official said. During 2015 - 16, the TTDC had registered Rs 10.07 crore revenue through online bookings.
TTDC was among the first government-owned enterprises to introduce online booking of tours and hotels, as far back as in 2004. It also launched mobile reservation in 2012. The corporation entered into an agreement with Air India for providing holiday home facilities at TTDC hotels and this had helped it to earn a revenue of '10 lakhs in the previous fiscal.
According to sources, the TTDC resorts at Mamallapuram, Rameswaram, Kodaikanal and Ooty have been doing brisk business. Realising the potential, the corporation constructed additional block of 21 rooms for Rs 2 crore at Rameswaram besides building a new tourist home at Thirukadaiyur at a cost of Rs 1.20 crore and were put to use since July last year.