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Tourism clubs launched in 46 colleges in Ernakulam
Tourism clubs launched in 46 colleges in Ernakulam

Time of India

time4 days ago

  • Time of India

Tourism clubs launched in 46 colleges in Ernakulam

Kochi: In a bid to enhance tourism literacy and strengthen community involvement in the sector, state tourism department launched tourism clubs in 46 colleges across Ernakulam district. The initiative, modelled along the lines of National Service Scheme (NSS), aims to engage students in tourism-related activities through structured clubs supported by colleges and guided by faculty coordinators and tourism officials. State secretary of the project Sachin P told TOI that each club will comprise 50 student members. A monitoring committee chaired by tourism minister P A Mohamed Riyas will oversee functioning of the clubs. The initiative follows a successful pilot at Aakkulam Tourism Village in Thiruvananthapuram. One of the flagship activities of the clubs is the Destination Adoption programme, where colleges take responsibility for a nearby tourism destination. Students will be encouraged to implement positive changes, thereby reshaping tourism experience and culture of the area. Sachin added that volunteers participating in the clubs will receive grants and opportunities to earn a part-time income. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo The department will also organize destination camps exclusively for club members. In Ernakulam, these camps are expected to take place in Aug. District tourism promotion council secretary Lijo Joseph said the initiative is set to bring significant changes to tourism landscape in Ernakulam by building awareness among students as well as other stakeholders. "Club members will also be involved in various events conducted by the department in the district," he said.

Gender audit at 16 tourist destinations in Kerala by year-end: Minister
Gender audit at 16 tourist destinations in Kerala by year-end: Minister

Time of India

time08-07-2025

  • Business
  • Time of India

Gender audit at 16 tourist destinations in Kerala by year-end: Minister

T'puram: The state govt will conduct gender audits at 16 destinations by the end of the year as part of making the state a women-friendly destination, said tourism minister P A Mohamed Riyas. Speaking after inaugurating a state-level consultation workshop on Tuesday to bring out a Gender Inclusive and Women-Friendly Tourism Policy, Riyas said gender audits were already done in six places and safety audits were done in 64 places. "The next step is to make these destinations women-friendly by looking at the findings of the audits," he added. The gender audit identifies gender gaps and inequalities and is aimed at promoting equitable opportunities for men and women in the tourism sector. The state govt has already allocated funds to give subsidies for women entrepreneurs in tourism, he said, adding that the efforts of Responsible Tourism Mission Society to aid the affected in Mundakkai and Chooralmala was an example. He said that around 17,631 women have registered as entrepreneurs in Responsible Tourism Mission Society. "Some of them are doing exclusive women tours, running women homestays and are women drivers. There is a need to train these people in a professional manner. That is going to be the next step. UN Women has helped the tourism department technically and has also approved our plan," he said. He said this was the first time a state was planning women-friendly tourism with the aim of opening women-friendly destinations and creating a network of women entrepreneurs in tourism. The move comes because the state govt realised the increasing trend of women travelling alone and in groups post-Covid, he added. The state has been witnessing an increase in domestic and foreign tourist arrivals after Covid. "Our tourist arrival numbers are above the average of the numbers of other states. Munnar got the most number of tourists last year. We are competing with countries," Riyas said. Shikha Surendran, MD, Kerala tourism development corporation, said safety studies and Posh training were given and women committees were formed as part of making destinations women-friendly. The aim of the consultation meet is to frame a draft policy. Later, Riyas told reporters that an empanelled agency was in charge of inviting influencers as part of tourism promotion and the state govt has no role in who is invited. "At that time, we did not know about the activities of Jyothi Malhotra, who was later arrested for alleged spying. She was part of a group that arrived in the state. She went to BJP-ruled states too. Such needless negative publicity may impact tourist arrivals and can be avoided," he said.

Espionage case: Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Gupta's Kerala visit under scanner; govt cites tourism campaign, clarifies no recent invite
Espionage case: Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Gupta's Kerala visit under scanner; govt cites tourism campaign, clarifies no recent invite

Time of India

time07-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Time of India

Espionage case: Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Gupta's Kerala visit under scanner; govt cites tourism campaign, clarifies no recent invite

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tourism minister P A Mohamed Riyas said that the govt did not invite social media influencer Jyoti Malhotra to the state knowing that she was accused of being a spy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The travel vlogger, who was arrested on charges of spying and for having close contact with a Pakistani defence person, visited Kerala many times to create vlogs. The minister said that Malhotra was part of a group of influencers who were invited to showcase destinations in the state. The govt has been focusing on influencers who have a good reach among young, affluent and travel-savvy people. She visited many prominent places, including Varkala and Thekkady. The state govt invited influencers who are good at creating promotional videos about tourist sites to promote these destinations, Riyas said.

Kerala Tourism website: India's most visited travel portal
Kerala Tourism website: India's most visited travel portal

Time of India

time12-06-2025

  • Business
  • Time of India

Kerala Tourism website: India's most visited travel portal

T'puram: The Kerala Tourism website received the highest number of visitors compared to websites of other state tourism departments in 2024-25. This surpasses the visitors to Union govt's Incredible India website. Additionally, is ranked second among travel and tourism sites in the global rankings. The site also secured second place in the category of the tourism industry. Thailand tourism emerged first in all three global rankings, while Vietnam, Incredible India and Indonesia occupy the third, fourth and fifth positions, respectively. According to Google analysis, six million users made 7.9 million visits to the Kerala Tourism website during 2024-25. Together, they viewed more than 15 million web pages. Tourism minister P A Mohamed Riyas stated that the website's achievement underscored Kerala's recognition as a global tourism destination. "Such is our acceptance among tourists," he noted. "On recognizing the importance of digital promotion in tourism development, Kerala Tourism is implementing innovative projects and products by catering to the changing tastes of travellers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Launch Offer – SPR Gurgaon Homes Signature Global Book Now Undo The attractively designed website provides comprehensive information about tourism activities in the state," he added. Around 5.8 million customers reached the Kerala Tourism site through search. More than one million people accessed the site by typing while nearly one million visitors arrived through advertisements. Apart from the home page, many visit pages such as accommodation facilities, tourist destinations, tour packages, heli-tourism, wedding destinations, festival calendar, Theyyam calendar and yoga. The website which has over 1,00,000 pages, is designed and maintained by Invis Private Ltd, the official IT solution partner of Kerala Tourism. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .

Smart City seeks central aid for Chalai heritage street project
Smart City seeks central aid for Chalai heritage street project

Time of India

time06-06-2025

  • Business
  • Time of India

Smart City seeks central aid for Chalai heritage street project

1 2 3 4 5 T'puram: The long-awaited Chalai heritage street project under the Smart City Mission is moving closer to reality, with the Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) seeking central assistance of Rs 50-60 crore. Modelled on the transformation of SM Street in Kozhikode, the project aims to give the historic Chalai market a facelift while preserving its traditional charm. SCTL, the project's implementing agency, submitted a detailed proposal to Centre, seeking the required funding. A bustling commercial hub with a legacy spanning centuries, Chalai market is set to be redesigned with a focus on infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly amenities and heritage conservation. The plan involves upgrading the main market street into a smart corridor, installing modern streetlights and completing the smart renovation of eight feeder roads that connect to the market. Work on these access roads is reportedly nearing completion. "Chalai heritage project is a long-cherished vision. We are now in an advanced stage and with the support of the tourism and the public works departments, we expect to move forward rapidly once central funding is approved," said a senior SCTL official. "This redevelopment will transform Chalai into a vibrant, walkable heritage street while boosting local commerce and tourism," the official added. Originally launched in 2018, the project remained stagnant for several years due to a lack of adequate funding. However, a renewed push from the tourism department, which has now pledged partial funding, put the plan back on track. A high-level meeting chaired by tourism and PWD minister P A Mohamed Riyas is expected to be held later this month to finalise the roadmap and streamline interdepartmental coordination. According to the revised blueprint, the market, designed in an octagonal layout with eight strategic access points, will undergo phased upgrades. They include smart paving, dedicated pedestrian zones, improved drainage, beautification and signage systems, all aimed at improving both the visual appeal and functional aspects of the area. Local traders, who have long demanded better infrastructure and amenities, have welcomed the project's revival. "We have waited for years to see Chalai get the attention it deserves. This market is not just a business zone; it's part of the city's soul," said Salim Shah, a member of the Chalai Traders Association. "If done properly, this project will enhance business and attract more visitors," he added. In the second phase, key heritage elements will be incorporated. They include permanent uniform arches at all entry points, wall graffiti that showcases the market's historical significance, roofed walkways adorned with benches and flowers and tiled footpaths. Electric cables will be laid underground, and the entire stretch will be Wi-Fi-enabled, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The remodification of the heritage street project will take place without any evacuation of traders from the market. As per the new decision, the foremost priority will be to enable smooth road connectivity to the market by renovating the adjoining roads. The new proposal is to make the market road pedestrian-friendly and there will be dedicated spaces nearby for vehicle parking. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !

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