Tap Potential of Youth for Tourism Development, Says Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Stressing that Tourism Clubs in the state have a huge impact on tourism, Minister for Tourism and Public Works P A Mohamed Riyas today said the potential and talent of youth must be channelized for the development of tourism sector.

Riyas said the tourism clubs have the vital responsibility of identifying new tourism destinations and introducing them on social media to firmly mark them on state’s tourism map.

The Minister was speaking while inaugurating the State Workshop and State Leadership Meet for Tourism Clubs, organized by Department of Tourism at Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS) here.

“More than 500 campuses in the state have Tourism Clubs, which have created a great impact on tourism sector. Apart from being tourism’s brand ambassadors, we need to blend their potential with the development of this key sector,” Riyas.

Noting that aggressive marketing is the key in the emerging competitive scenario, Shri Riyas said a state-level competition will be conducted for Tourism Club members in making short videos and reels about new tourism spots.

The Minister informed that the government is planning to create a map for high-range tourism activities like trekking and hiking.

Riyas reminded the students of the importance of proper upkeep of tourism destinations, besides strictly monitoring their hygiene and waste management.

“A mass cleaning drive will be conducted in tourism destinations on March 30,” he added.

Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Limited (KTIL) Chairman SK Sajeesh presided. Kerala Tourism Director Sikha Surendran was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Surendran said Tourism Clubs are playing a major role in leveraging the talents of youth constructively at a time when drug menace has become a grave issue in society.

In the session on ‘Opportunities in Tourism Startups & Self Employment,’ Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) CEO Anoop Ambika said Tourism Clubs must identify interesting spots in their respective districts and seek possibilities of improving the infrastructure of the destinations with the help of technology.

Anoop also informed that KSUM will consider providing financial aid to viable innovative ideas.

Speaking on ‘Responsible Tourism Initiative Through Tourism Club,’ Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society CEO Rupeshkumar K urged students to study the concept and initiatives of Responsible Tourism to build a career in the sector by tapping into the immense possibilities of this model in Kerala.

KITTS Director Dr Dileep M R; Principal Dr B Rajendran; Assistant Professor Babu Rengaraj and Kerala Tourism Club State Coordinator Sachin P were also present.

Students from KITTS, various colleges and institutions attended the workshop.