Jaipur: The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), often criticised for losses and poor performance, has recorded its highest first-half profit in four years, earning Rs 98.96 lakh during April-Sept of FY 2026-27.The corporation’s 31 properties, largely hotels, collectively reported a profit of nearly Rs 99 lakh during the six-month period. Among them, Gangaur Hotel in Jaipur and Lake Palace Hotel in Siliserh recorded profits of Rs 76 lakh and Rs 87 lakh, respectively. Durg Cafe at Nahargarh Fort reported a profit of Rs 1.59 crore.April to Sept is traditionally considered the off-season for tourism, when hotel occupancy and earnings tend to be lower than in the second half of the financial year, which coincides with the peak tourist season.“When the units generate profits even during the off-season, it shows their potential,” a corporation official said.RTDC’s profit stood at Rs 95.49 lakh in the first half of 2023-24 before falling to Rs 33.53 lakh in the corresponding period of 2024-25. It recovered to Rs 83.51 lakh in April-September 2025-26 and rose further to Rs 98.96 lakh in the current financial year.After leasing out the operation and management of Palace on Wheels to a private operator, RTDC receives a base income of Rs 5 crore annually from the luxury train, which continues to be part of the corporation’s portfolio.Employees said around a dozen hotels had reduced their losses and could turn profitable with improvements in facilities. “Periodic investment is needed to improve the guest experience and attract more visitors,” they said.
