KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Oct 13: Secretary Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, Avny Lavasa, on Tuesday reviewed the overall functioning, management and operational capabilities of the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), with a focus on its potential as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
Lavasa chaired an introductory meeting at SKICC to take stock of the functioning of the government-run international convention centre, which holds significance for positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a destination for major conferences, corporate gatherings, exhibitions and other high-profile events.
On her arrival, the Secretary was welcomed by SKICC officials led by its Director General, Mufti Fareedudin. Before holding the meeting, she toured the entire centre to assess its facilities and infrastructure firsthand.
The visit provided an opportunity to review the centre’s existing infrastructure, operational arrangements and overall capacity to host events of national and international importance.
During the meeting, the SKICC management delivered a detailed presentation on the centre’s operational capabilities and its role as a leading MICE destination. The presentation covered key aspects of its functioning, including the current status of bookings, revenue structure and future plans.
The discussions assumed significance in the context of efforts to strengthen SKICC’s profile as a venue capable of attracting conferences, business meetings, incentive programmes and exhibitions. A stronger MICE sector can help broaden the tourism economy beyond conventional leisure travel by attracting professional gatherings and institutional events that generate demand for accommodation, transport, hospitality and other allied services.
Issues concerning the promotion of SKICC and its MICE services also came up for discussion. The management apprised the Secretary of matters requiring attention, while Lavasa gave a patient hearing to the issues raised and assured all possible support to help the centre reach new heights as a world-class convention destination.
The assurance of support is expected to provide an impetus to efforts aimed at strengthening the centre’s operations and expanding awareness of its facilities among potential organisers of conferences and other major events.
SKICC occupies an important place in Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism infrastructure as a government-run international convention centre. Its effective functioning and promotion are relevant to the broader objective of attracting a wider range of visitors, including business delegates, corporate representatives, professionals and participants in national and international conferences.
The centre’s future growth will depend on its ability to make effective use of its facilities, maintain operational efficiency, attract bookings and strengthen its outreach to event organisers. The discussions on its revenue structure, existing bookings and future plans formed part of the review undertaken by the Tourism Secretary.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Tourism Department, including Special Secretary Tourism Suraj Parkash Rukwal, JKAS, along with the Director Planning and Director Finance.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks.
