The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has suffered a loss of Rs 6.657 million during 2003-04 due to higher non-development expenditures.
This was disclosed by PTDC managing-director Malik Mohammad Habib Khan during his first briefing to new Tourism Minister Dr Ghazi Ghulab Jamal and State Minister Sumera Malik here on Monday.
Apart from ministers, the meeting was also attended by high-ups of the tourism ministry and the PTDC. The meeting reviewed the performance of tourism sector.
In his briefing, Malik Habib said that the PTDC had earned Rs 35 million in 2003-04, while the total expenditure was Rs 41 million, thus, causing a shortfall of Rs 6.657 million due to higher burden of non-development expenditures.
Giving details of earning, he said that Rs 4 million were received from PTDC hotels, Rs 1.5 million from Pakistan Tours Limited, Rs 11.5 from PTDC motels, Rs 13 million from profits on deposits, Rs 1 million from miscellaneous and Rs 4 million received from advances.
While on expenditure side, he said staff expenses were Rs 27.597 million, establishment, Rs 12.560, and Rs 1.5 million were spent on advances.
About government grants, the PTDC managing-director said that the government provided Rs 51 million for development projects in 2003-04 against Rs 75 million demanded by the corporation.
On non-development side, Rs 21.173 million were provided for publicity and promotion against the demand of Rs 43.633 million, and Rs 23.250 were spent on tourism information centres against the required amount of Rs 33.441 million.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr G.G. Jamal pledged to promote domestic tourism throughout the year.
He further said that tourism activities must be undertaken throughout the year and added that local businessmen and students must be encouraged to participate in activities.
About foreign tourists, he said to attract foreign tourists there must be an effective publicity regarding important features of tourism zones in Pakistan.