Trivandrum: In an upfront initiative to ensure active participation of students in sustainable and inclusive tourism development, Kerala today unveiled a novel project to form Tourism Clubs on major college campuses across the state, as a collective endeavour of the departments of Tourism and Higher Education.
Addressing a joint press conference here, Minister for Tourism, Shri PA Mohamed Riyas and Minister for Higher Education, Dr R Bindu said Tourism Clubs will be formed in 25 colleges in the state in the first phase. The Department of Tourism will provide the funds for the activities of the clubs.
“Tourism clubs will be in charge of the upkeep of 25 tourism destinations and they will especially ensure the hygiene of each property. “The plan also includes identifying future tourism professionals among students, who can also help market the destinations using social media platforms. There are good bloggers among students and their talent can be leveraged for featuring the state’s tourism attractions before a wider audience”, he added.
Dr Bindu said the initiative will encourage students to identify new tourism products and contribute to the growth of the tourism sector, besides fostering interest among students in travel and tourism. Apart from enhancing the awareness among the youth that tourism is a vital sector for Kerala, Tourism Clubs will rope in students to see that the tourism destinations and assets are maintained well.
The clubs will seek to nurture future professionals needed by the fast-growing tourism sector, develop an international outlook among students, encourage them to take an active role in nature conservation and environmental activities and engage them in identifying new tourism spots. Also, the campus clubs will help students understand the tastes and demands of the tourists of our time.
The members of the clubs will have their uniforms, which will be the same on all campuses, as well as ID cards. They will be given certificates jointly by the departments of Tourism and Higher Education.
Kerala Tourism Director, VR Krishna Teja and V Vighneshwari, Director of Collegiate Education and MD, KTDC were present at the press conference.
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