Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 28 (ANI): The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has outlined an ambitious roadmap focused on revenue enhancement, digital transformation, infrastructure upgradation and employee welfare, while also reporting significant achievements since January 1, 2023, during the tenure of the present state government.

As part of its future strategy, HPTDC plans to launch a Platinum Card aimed at frequent travellers and institutional clients. The card will offer benefits such as discounted room tariffs, priority bookings, complimentary services, special dining offers and seasonal promotional privileges.

The initiative is expected to strengthen customer loyalty, attract corporate and long-stay tourists, and encourage preference for HPTDC properties over private hotels.

To strengthen its digital footprint, HPTDC is revamping its official web portal to create a user-friendly, technologically advanced platform. The upgraded portal will act as a central digital hub, complementing Online Travel Agency (OTA) partnerships while boosting direct bookings and brand visibility.

Recognising the growing demand for spiritual travel, HPTDC is in the process of collaborating with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to design and promote religious and temple tourism packages.

Leveraging IRCTC's nationwide reach, the partnership aims to target senior citizens and pilgrimage groups, tapping into a rapidly expanding niche tourism segment.

In a move to motivate its workforce, the HPTDC Board of Directors, at its October 23, 2025 meeting, approved the formulation of a performance-based incentive policy.

Under the proposed scheme, employees working in profit-generating units that exceed financial targets will be eligible for a 5 per cent incentive.

The Board has also approved exploring the feasibility of entering the foreign exchange business through money exchange services at HPTDC marketing offices, subject to obtaining an FFMC licence from the Reserve Bank of India. A committee of officers has been constituted to complete the required formalities.

On the infrastructure front, renovation work at several properties--including Hotel Hamir (Hamirpur), Hotel Holiday Home (Shimla), Hotel Meghdoot (Kiarighat), Hotel Renuka (Renukaji), and Hotel Jawalaji--is set to begin shortly, with tenders already finalised and contracts awarded.

Additionally, renovation of Hotel Kunal, Dharamshala, and Log Huts, Manali, has been completed, while large-scale renovation projects are underway at Hotel Rohtang, Manali (36.19 crore), Naggar Castle, Kullu (8.63 crore), and Hotel Silver Moon, Kullu (20.57 crore).

To address long-pending dues, the Board has also decided to raise a term loan from a government-owned bank to pay retirement gratuity and leave encashment to HPTDC retirees.

Furthermore, HPTDC is partnering with Union Bank of India and Punjab National Bank to provide holiday home facilities for bank employees at key destinations, including Manali and Dharamshala.

These arrangements are expected to ensure assured occupancy, particularly during off-peak seasons, while offering subsidised holiday benefits to bank staff.

Meanwhile, HPTDC has reported notable achievements during the period under review. The corporation generated 10,867.03 lakh in revenue during 2024-25. It has successfully implemented e-Office across all units, including the corporate office, since January 2024.

Digitisation of records is underway, with over 3,800 files, 110 service books, and nearly 7.8 lakh pages scanned to date.

HPTDC has strengthened its market presence by signing an agreement with MakeMyTrip, under which the OTA deposited an advance Minimum Inventory Block (MIB) of 2 crore. Field units have also signed 197 MoUs with government and private organisations, generating business worth approximately 1.13 crore till mid-November 2025.

Tie-ups with Swiggy and Zomato have been established in major tourist hubs, including Shimla, Rampur, Palampur, Dharamshala and Manali. At the same time, an MoU has also been signed with the HP State Civil Supplies Corporation for the supply of provisions and housekeeping items.

HPTDC has also focused on capacity building, providing regular training to employees in hospitality operations, administration, e-office, financial management, and digital tools, including ChatGPT. The corporation has also expanded outdoor catering services, generating nearly 99.75 lakh from such activities.

With these initiatives and achievements, HPTDC aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve tourist experience, strengthen financial sustainability and reinforce its role as a key driver of tourism in Himachal Pradesh. (ANI)