The Centre, as part of the effort to privatise ITDC, had invited bids from financial institutions. Apart from giving counsel on the mode and timing of divestment, the consultant will also evaluate government assets.

The objective of such privatisation is to accelerate growth of the tourism industry. As this is linked to development of related industries, greater coordination is needed among various departments, said minister of state for tourism Omak Apang.

To increase the number of arrivals, the government is attempting to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles in getting clearances and making easier obtaining of a visa.

The minister on Thursday inaugurated a four-day fair on the hospitality industry. The event, organised by the Hotel & Food Service (H&FS), also includes seminars on issues concerning the industry. Established in 1986,H&FS organises the trade fair annually.

There will be separate sessions on cost management and the challenges ahead. These include Y2K and the millennium, space utilisation, energy management and implementation of environment-friendly technologies.

The participants include companies manufacturing products and providing services to the hospitality and tourism industry. Prizes will be awarded for excellence in various areas, including one for the best domestic and international airline handed by H&FS.