THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated a Rs 25-crore project for the restoration of the heritage of the iconic Mascot Hotel, coinciding with the celebrations of 100 years of the hospitality pioneer, here on Wednesday.
The comprehensive project, drawn up by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), was unveiled close on the heels of Mascot Hotel bagging the five-star status. The Chief Minister also unveiled the plaque to mark the historic occasion and opened a month-long exhibition that vividly depicts the 100 years of glorious service of the trail blazer in hospitality sector in the state.
Minister for Co-operation, Devaswom and Tourism, Kadakampally Surendran presided over the function held at Mascot Hotel. In his presidential address, Surendran said that Mascot has got the unique distinction of being the maiden five-star hotel in the public sector.
Recalling the history and fame of the institution, he noted “In the hotel map published by the Bombay-based Indian Hotel Company in 1937, Mascot was one among the four hotels listed from South India. In 1965, it came under KTDC.” The Minister underscored the need to adopt quality service and new marketing strategies in order to compete with private players in the hospitality industry.
K Muraleedharan MLA was present at the function, where M Vijayakumar, Chairman, KTDC, delivered a felicitation speech. Rahul R, MD, KTDC, welcomed the gathering.
Vijayakumar said, “Mascot Hotel is a priceless treasure of Kerala. It is the Jewel in KTDC’s crown. The heritage restoration project will be carried out without in any way harming its distinguishing architectural features.”
P Bala Kiran, Director, Kerala Tourism; and Krishnakumar, Member, Board of Directors, KTDC, were also present. Raj Mohan G S, Marketing Manager, KTDC, proposed a vote of thanks.
Rahul said the project to strengthen and preserve the heritage property will be executed under the leadership of Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS). The works to be taken up include strengthening of the building, rooms, passages, beautification of the premises and improving the amenities. They will be completed in two phases within a year.
The Government has already accorded administrative sanction for Rs 5 crore for the project. Originally an accommodation unit for officers of the Royal British Army during the First World War (1914- 1918), during the reign of the Kingdom of Travancore, Mascot has passed through a long history while emerging as the premium brand in Kerala’s hospitality sector.
The Hotel, which now enjoys the Five-Star status, has hosted a long list of distinguished guests including top national leaders, diplomats, foreign dignitaries, writers and captains of industry.
