Srinagar, May 11: The state-of-the-art Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the Dal banks here has registered record gross revenue of Rs 203.67 lakhs for 2010-11.
 The SKICC which during the last financial year hosted many conferences and events registered the record revenue despite the summer unrest.
 In 2010-11, the SKICC hosted 108 conferences as compared to 124 in 2009-10.
 Director SKICC Dr GN Qasba said the Centre hosted many local, national and international conferences and events. It also hosted meeting of Expert Group on Job Plan for J&K, Founder Day of SKICC, Convocation of SKUAST, Conference of Chief Electoral Officers besides various Board meetings.
 “We have upgraded our services and introduced cashless transactions. I dedicate the success of SKICC to the Government, stakeholders and last but not the least my dynamic staff,” Dr Qasba said.
 He said the SKICC celebrated its “maiden Founder’s Day” on December 5, 2010 in memory of former chief Minister Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah who was instrumental in the Centre’s construction.
 He said the audio visual system in the SKICC has been upgraded with facility of simultaneous translation of proceedings in six languages.
 “This will enable the SKICC to become a world class venue for more international events. Besides work on the video conferencing is going on priority,” he said.
 Dr Qasba said the next conclave of the India Convention Promotion Bureau (IPCB) will be held at SKICC. “The conclave will help to give a boost to our tourism sector.”
 Incidentally, the SKICC Board of Governors’ meeting chaired by the Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora had appreciated the efforts of the Director SKICC for promotion of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) Tourism to liaison with the India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB).
 The Board has approved Rs 15 lakh for holding of next conclave of the ICPB at SKICC. 
 Officials said the SKICC Governing Board has also given a green signal for the Centre to work in tandem with tour and travel operators at the state and central level, and on the basis of the performance will be awarded incentives and rewards.
 “We have also proposed to the government that after the takeover of Hotel Centaur Hotel, it should be associated with the SKICC. This will facilitate the participants of a conference or other functions to stay in the vicinity of SKICC,” Dr Qasba added.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 11 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 11 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 IST