Category: Kerala

  Minister Riyas opens fest, presents Nishagandhi Puraskaram to Chitra Visweswaran [gallery columns=”2″ size=”medium” ids=”48122,48123,48124,48125,48126,48127,48128,48129″]   Thiruvananthapuram, Feb. 15: Kerala Tourism’s week-long Nishagandhi Dance Festival opened at the sprawling Kanakakunnu Palace grounds here this evening. Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas inaugurated the iconic annual event and presented the prestigious Nishagandhi Puraskaram to eminent Bharatanatyam exponent and choreographer Smt Chitra Visweswaran for her outstanding contributions to Indian classical dance. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Riyas said the state government considered it as its responsibility to preserve diverse art forms and support artists by organising cultural events like the Nishagandhi ... Read more

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb. 8 In a huge endorsement of Kerala’s lively beach tourism, Papanasham Beach, Varkala, a stunning seaside getaway, has been featured among the 100 best beaches in the world in the prestigious Lonely Planet’s “Best Beaches: 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches’ guide book. Located in Thiruvananthapuram district, Papanasham Beach, also known as Varkala beach, overlooks the Arabian Sea, and its silvery stretches of sand and the serene ambience make it a favourite tourist destination. Fringed by coconut palms, blessed with an unending stretch of blue waters, and endowed with an idyllic serenity, the beach has earned the ... Read more

National Tourism Day theme aligns with Kerala’s tourism goals, says Shri Riyas   Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 25: Noting that Kerala’s tourism goals align perfectly with the theme of National Tourism Day 2024, Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas today said the state has set an enduring global model in sustainable and inclusive tourism by emerging as a widely acclaimed experiential tourism hub. National Tourism Day is celebrated on January 25 every year to build awareness of the country’s economic benefits from tourism. This year’s theme is ‘Sustainable Journeys, Timeless Memories.’ “This year’s theme goes well with Kerala’s recent initiatives and ... Read more

Facilitation centre to be set up to fast track projects Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 11: All projects presented at the recent Tourism Investors Meet (TIM) organised by the Kerala Tourism Department in association with the industry will be completed in a time-bound manner through a single-window system. A facilitation centre will start functioning at the Department of Tourism by January 25 to fast track the project and a web portal by February 10 for the purpose, Kerala Tourism Minister Shri Mohamed Riyas said while presiding over a review meeting here. The tourism department has shortlisted projects by 19 new investors for fast-track ... Read more

Shri Riyas meets representatives of taxi and tour operators’ associations Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 10: In a labour-friendly initiative in the tourism sector, necessary steps will be taken to ensure basic amenities for drivers in hotels, resorts and homestays, Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas said today. Speaking at a meeting of taxi and autorickshaw unions and travel and tour operators’ associations here, Shri Riyas said hotels, resorts and homestays must ensure that basic facilities are provided to drivers coming with guests. Kerala will set an example for the entire country in the tourism sector with this initiative, the Minister said. ... Read more

  Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 09: In a significant development for the travel and tourism sector, Mr. Subhash Ghosh has been appointed as the President and Mr. Jihad Husain as Secretary and Mr. Benny Thomas as treasurer of the Association of Tourism Trade Organisations, India (ATTOI). The announcement was made during the organization’s annual general meeting held on 05th January 2023, marking a new chapter in the leadership of one of the most influential bodies in the Indian tourism industry. [gallery size=”medium” ids=”48091,48090,48095″] Mr. Subhash Ghosh brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the tourism sector, ... Read more

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 09: The logo of KITTS Alumni (KITTSA) was unveiled on January 9, 2024, at the Government Guest House in Thiruvananthapuram by Shri. P.A. Muhammad Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Public Works Department. The event was attended by K. Biju IAS, Secretary, Tourism; Dr. M.R. Dileep, Director, KITTS; M.D. Shijil, BRDC, and others. KITTSA Office Bearers: President: Shri. Prashant Vasudevan (Former Deputy Director, Kerala Tourism) Secretary: D. Manoj Kumar (Thenmala Eco Tourism Promotion Society) Vice President: Mrs. Susan Mathew Joint Secretary: Shri. Lal Saty Treasurer: Kumari Varsha Gopan KITTS, established in 1988, has made significant contributions to the professional development ... Read more

Shri Riyas addresses tourism seminar at Keraleeyam Thiruvananthapuram, Nov. 05: Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas today said the government will come up with a comprehensive master plan, ‘Mission 2030,’ for tourism sector next year. Addressing a seminar on tourism held here as part of Keraleeyam, Shri Riyas said the master plan will lay down policies and suggestions on matters including increasing tourism’s  contribution to state’s GDP from the current 12 percent to 20 percent. Regarding dry day, a decision will be taken after discussions with the Excise Minister, he said. Noting that Kerala Tourism’s major focus in 2024 ... Read more

The 7th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2023, held at the Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel in Brigade Gateway, India on October 9th and 10th, concluded successfully. SATA is an annual event that pays tribute to excellence within the travel and tourism industry throughout South Asia. This year, the assessment sessions were conducted in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, featuring an international panel of judges. Distinguished figures in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors from the Maldives and South Asia, including the esteemed Minister of Tourism, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, participated in the event. [gallery columns=”2″ ... Read more

കോവിഡിന്റെ രണ്ടാം വ്യാപനവും അതേ തുടർന്നുള്ള നിയന്ത്രണങ്ങളും ടൂറിസം മേഖലയുടെ ഉപജീവനം ഇല്ലാതാക്കുമെന്ന് ടൂറിസം സംരക്ഷണസമിതി ആശങ്കപ്പെടുന്നു. നിയന്ത്രണങ്ങളിൽ ഇളവ് ഉണ്ടായിരുന്ന സാഹചര്യത്തിൽ തന്നെ ഉപജീവനത്തിന് ബുദ്ധിമുട്ടുന്ന അവസ്ഥയാണ് ടൂറിസം ടൂറിസം മേഖലയിലുണ്ടായിരുന്നത്. സംസ്ഥാനത്തെ ടൂറിസം മേഖലയിൽ നിന്നുള്ള വരുമാനം വർഷത്തിൽ 44000 കോടി രൂപയോളമാണ് 15 ലക്ഷം പേർക്ക് നേരിട്ടും അല്ലാതെയും തൊഴിൽ നൽകുന്ന ഈ മേഖല കഴിഞ്ഞ ഒരു വർഷത്തിലധികമായി കടുത്ത പ്രതിസന്ധി നേരിട്ടുകൊണ്ടിരിക്കുകയാണ്. ആയിരക്കണക്കിന് തൊഴിലാളികൾക്ക് തൊഴിൽ നഷ്ടപ്പെടുകയും, നിരവധി സ്ഥാപനങ്ങൾ അടച്ചു പൂട്ടേണ്ടി വരികയും, ടൂറിസവുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട് ജീവിക്കുന്നവർക്ക് വരുമാന മാർഗം ഇല്ലാതാവുകയും, വലുതും ചെറുതുമായ എല്ലാ വിഭാഗങ്ങളും ജീവിതം വഴിമുട്ടിയ അവസ്ഥയിലാണ്. ഈ വിഷയത്തിൽ സർക്കാരിന്റെ ശ്രദ്ധയാകർഷിക്കുന്നതിനും, ടൂറിസം മേഖലയെ സംരക്ഷിച്ചു നിലനിർത്തണം എന്നും ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ട്, ടൂറിസം വ്യവസായത്തിൽ പ്രവർത്തിക്കുന്ന സംരംഭകരും തൊഴിലാളികളും മെയ് ഒന്നിന് സംസ്ഥാന വ്യാപകമായി കറുത്ത മാസ്ക് ധരിച്ച് പ്രതിഷേധം രേഖ പെടുത്തുവാൻ തീരുമാനിച്ചു. സോഷ്യൽ മീഡിയയിലൂടെ സേവ് ടൂറിസം ... Read more

There is a huge demand still for Kerala as a sunshine destination when the winters actually start in Britain and the rest of Europe and with some practical and logical changes Kerala can make a huge impact to tap this demand says Phil Frampton. All they have to do is to cash in on the existing demand in the UK through some aggressive marketing strategies and importantly stay ahead of the competitors. Phil Frampton is the author of the noted travel guide book named “Hidden Kerala” Sharing some insights on the current economic scenario in Britain and answering to some ... Read more

Sunset Cinema Club in association with MFAR Hotels & Resorts, owning company of Le Meridien, Kochi launches the first Drive-In Cinema in Kerala Sunset Cinema Club, India’s biggest outdoor cinema experience company, started in 2017, operational in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Chandigarh, and Bangalore, now comes to Kochi with a premium Drive-In Cinema Experience. City— KOCHI Sunset Cinema Club and Le, Meridien, announced their Opening Weekend and the official launch of SCC Drive-In at Le Meridien, Kochi on the 21st November. SCC Drive-In is to have regularly programmed film screenings, every weekend in the drive-in format. SCC Drive-In will run, ... Read more

Kochi metro since its inception has been in the forefront when it comes to novel and innovative ideas. Adding another feather to their cap, and a pat on the back of the ever-growing cyclist community of Kochi, the KMRL has granted permission to passengers to carry their cycles inside the metro stations and the trains for free. Cycling has grown leaps and bounds in the state after the spread of the pandemic with many people taking it up as a mode of daily commuting and many others enticed by its health and fitness benefits. The decision is expected to encourage ... Read more

Sad news for the art lovers, the fifth edition of the KMB ( Kochi Muziris Biennale) scheduled for DEC this year has been postponed to November 2021 in view of the ongoing pandemic situation and since Kerala has noticed a second spike in COVID 19 cases. KMB has been India’s most talked-about art exhibitions and also the people’s favorite since its launch in 2012. Earlier when it was announced that the exhibition will be held from DEC 20 there was a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm from the Art lovers which has now given way to disappointment. A statement ... Read more

With the opening of the tourism industry in Kerala, medical and wellness tourism has gained tremendous momentum. Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy are the key contributors injecting a new life to the hospitality industry which has itself been on life support system for a long time now. Yoga as well as Ayurveda has been seen as natural ways of boosting immunity, improving quality of life and wellbeing of both mind and body. The fact that both don’t pose any harmful effects adds to the advantage. Both are believed to have great significance in building immunity for the body, and also help ... Read more