By Training and skill development are critical components of futuristic development of tourism sector, which is diversifying into various verticals promising great opportunities for young entrepreneurs and innovators, Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas said today.
The Minister was inaugurating a one-day national seminar and panel discussion on ‘Innovations in Tourism Industry: Redefining Opportunities in a Dynamic Global Landscape,’ organised by the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS) here, in association with Indian Society for Training and Development (ISTD), Thiruvananthapuram chapter.
“As tourism sector is diversifying into different verticals like responsible tourism, heritage tourism and adventure tourism, young entrepreneurs and professionals need to be innovative and come up with new products,” Shri Riyas said.
State Tourism Department is committed to supporting startups and MSME’s in tourism sector by providing incubation facilities, mentoring and financial aid, said Shri Riyas.
“We should focus on areas like skill development, hospitality, language upskilling, digital literacy, administrative skills. The academic excellence of KITTS, integrated with ISTD’s industry knowledge, will enhance the capabilities of our professionals, who can compete in global platforms,” the Minister said.
The state Tourism Department has also programmes to support entrepreneurial aspirations of local communities and youngsters, which will add a thrust to socio economic growth and integrated development, he said.
The minister noted that the pre-bid meeting organised for briefing investors about the Sasthampara Adventure Park and Training Centre project saw the participation of around 20 entrepreneurs.
Shri Riyas presented on the occasion the ISTD Trivandrum Chapter’s “Outstanding Outbound Tour Operator Award 2024-’25” to Shri Benny Panikulangara of Royal Tours.
Setting the context for the seminar and panel discussion, Dr. M. R. Dileep, Director, KITTS, said youngsters should come up with innovative products in tourism sector.
Dr. K. S. Chandrasekar, Chairman ISTD Trivandrum Chapter, also spoke at the inaugural session.
