Visit part of Cultural Exchange Programme of Dept. of Tourism

The eight-day Cultural Exchange Programme, organised by the State Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission Society of the Department of Tourism, got off to a vibrant start as an exuberant group of RT exponents from ten countries celebrated Onam with the village community in Kerala, getting a slice of the state’s iconic festival.

The September 4-11 programme, an initiative suggested by Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas, is part of Kerala Tourism’s calibrated strategy to give greater visibility to the state’s harvest festival in all its grandeur.

Shri Riyas said the visiting group will be taken around various units of RT, a globally acclaimed tourism model, to get a ringside view of multiple initiatives implemented in the state, such as women-friendly and gender-inclusive tourism, village life experiences, and curated schemes like STREET, PEPPER, and model RT Villages. 

RT Mission Society CEO Rupeshkumar K received the global RT group at Kochi International Airport before taking them to the countryside of Kottayam district to provide them with a first-hand experience of the vibrant and colourful Onam celebrations and the state’s RT model. 

A group of tourists from the UK, France, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Romania prepared Pookkalam and Onam Sadya at various homestays. The group also included RT leaders, academicians, researchers, and tour operators from other states.

Later, they visited Thiruvonam Mattam, a traditional street market that is believed to have existed during the barter system era, at Mattaparambu in Maravanthuruthu Panchayat.

Tourists participated with gusto in the vibrant Thiruvonam processions organised by local clubs. While shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs made from coconut shells and traditional straw mats, they emphasised the importance of supporting local markets and festivals.

The villagers gave a warm welcome to the contingent, accompanied by the traditional Panchavadyam (an orchestra of five musical instruments), as they delivered the Onam message to every household.

The RT group enjoyed a delicious Onam Sadya with local representatives and community members before participating in various competitions organised by the RT Mission units.

Fam Wang Dam from Vietnam won the spoon and lemon race, while Charmary Melang of Sri Lanka and Gowri Lakshmi from Kerala shared honours in the musical chair contest. In the exciting tug-of-war competition, the local community team triumphed over the tourists. They also performed the traditional Onam dance, Thiruvathira.

As part of getting the slice of experiential tourism, they prepared Kerala’s traditional breakfast in the Experience Ethnic Units of RT Mission.   

The group will visit various destinations in the state as part of the programme and take a close look at Kerala’s RT model, which has successfully leveraged the state’s heritage and cultural diversity to promote sustainable tourism development and the economic empowerment of local communities.

The RT group will witness the Onam pageantry that marks the finale of the Onam Week Celebrations in the state capital on September 9.

The team will also visit the RT villages of Kumarakom, Maravanthuruthu, Aymanam, Perumbalam, Thrissur, and Thiruvananthapuram. 

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LOYA, the iconic Northern restaurant at Taj West End, Bengaluru, marks its second anniversary this month; Two seasons of weaving traditions into timeless tastes; Two seasons of bringing India’s soul to your table; Two seasons of exploring heart & heritage and Two seasons of flavours that bind North to South.

Since opening its doors in 2023, LOYA has gone beyond serving food and has become a stage for stories. The restaurant’s philosophy is rooted in time-honoured cooking traditions such as dhungar (smoking), baghar (tempering spices in hot oil), sigdi (coal/wood-fire cooking), and dum (slow-cooking in sealed pots). Each technique is brought to life using indigenous ingredients sourced directly from farmers, foragers, and artisans, spanning the Himalayan foothills, the plains of Punjab, and the valleys of Kashmir.

LOYA’s beverage program mirrors this ethos, with a bar-forward menu that constantly evolves. The S.P.I.C.E (Scale, Pitch, Instrumentation, Chords, and Expression) philosophy was developed to intertwine the realms of music, food, and beverage to craft a multi-sensorial experience. These libations blend artistry, expertise, and a dash of musical inspiration, embodying the spirit of our philosophy. Just as a masterful composition transcends boundaries, our S.P.I.C.E cocktails transcend expectations, inviting you on a journey where flavours harmonise and melodies intoxicate.

Over the past two years, LOYA has hosted Qissas, (curated event series that positions Loya not just as a restaurant, but as an experiential destination where some of the country’s most celebrated minds came together to share their journeys, fashion, philosophies, and flavours). Alongside, LOYA has welcomed some of the finest bars in the world for immersive bar takeovers, pairing the restaurant’s robust Northern flavours with innovative, craft-driven cocktails, redefining how Bengaluru experiences dining collaborations.

Adding another dimension to its storytelling, LOYA stands as the only restaurant in India to have its very own curated Album. This unique collection of music has been thoughtfully designed to complement the culinary experience, with soundscapes that echo the moods of the menu. Much like its dishes, the music blends tradition and innovation — creating a symphony where flavours and melodies come together to enrich the dining journey.

Nestled in the lush gardens of Taj West End, Loya’s setting remains central to its charm. Majestic arches, carved stone jalees, metalware from Muradabad, ceramics from Khurja, and curated table settings with channi and parat, proudly showcase India’s craftsmanship in detail.

As it steps into its second year of crafting stories, LOYA continues its journey, not just as a dining destination, but as a custodian of India’s rich culinary heritage, a stage for cultural exchange, and a space where Northern culinary romance is celebrated in every form.

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Visit part of Cultural Exchange Programme of Dept. of Tourism

The excitement of a group of Responsible Tourism (RT) exponents from around the world knew no bounds as they bumped into a group of ‘human-tigers’ on the day of Puli Kali, the highlight of the Onam celebration here today.

The tourists from 10 countries are in the state for an eight-day Cultural Exchange Programme, organised by the State RT Mission Society of the Department of Tourism, coinciding with the Onam celebrations.

The September 4-11 programme, an initiative suggested by Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas, is part of Kerala Tourism’s calibrated strategy to give greater visibility to the state’s harvest festival in all its grandeur.

The awe-struck RT group enjoyed Puli Kali Mahotsavam here, and the excitement was palpable.  A few of them even tried the Puli Kali costume and some others danced to the rhythmic movements of men disguised as tigers during their performance at Swaraj Round in the town.

RT Mission Society CEO Rupeshkumar K said the purpose of the visit of the RT group was to give them a first-hand experience of this art form as well as introduce it to a global audience.  

Earlier, the group was accorded a warm welcome at Sitaram Mill Lane and they had a close look at the nuanced and diligent preparations of each Puli Kali artiste prior to their performance. The group also interacted with the artistes. 

The tourists are from the UK, France, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Romania. The group also included RT leaders, academicians, researchers, and tour operators from other states. This is the first time such a group of foreign tourists visit Kerala to celebrate Onam and witness Puli Kali.

The group’s itinerary includes various destinations in the state to take a close look at Kerala’s RT model, which has successfully leveraged Kerala’s heritage and cultural diversity to promote sustainable tourism development and the economic empowerment of local communities. The group will be in the state capital tomorrow towitness the Onam pageantry that marks the finale of the Onam Week Celebrations

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The Keralites Travels and Tours Consortium (KTTC), a leading professional association of tour operators and travel agencies in Kerala, has announced the Tushar Mega Tourism B2B Meet 2025, scheduled for September 13, 2025, at the CIAL Convention Centre, Nedumbassery, Kochi.

The event is expected to be one of the biggest gatherings of the tourism sector in South India, bringing together more than 200 leading tour companies from India and abroad, including Destination Management Companies (DMCs), major hotel chains, resorts, airlines, and online travel portals. The meet aims to provide a direct business platform for Kerala-based tour operators and travel agents to connect with global players, eliminating the role of intermediaries and creating stronger business opportunities.

In addition to the B2B meet, a special workshop will be organized in the afternoon, focusing on the vast possibilities of the tourism sector. The session will be particularly beneficial for students of tourism and industry professionals, offering them insights into emerging trends and global practices.

The scale of the event has already drawn remarkable attention, with over 5,000 tour operators from within and outside Kerala registering for participation.

Founded in 2018 as a non-profit organization under the Kerala Societies Act, KTTC has been actively supporting tourism entrepreneurs, offering them global exposure and opportunities to expand their businesses. Over the years, the consortium has established itself as a vital platform for networking, growth, and professional development within the tourism sector.

The previous editions of Tushar Mega B2B Meet have been highly successful. The last event, held in Kochi, saw the participation of more than 1,200 buyers from across India along with 100+ inbound and outbound sellers. For the 4th edition in 2025, KTTC is expecting over 1,500 buyers and 200+ sellers, making it the largest edition to date.

The event will be powered by Metro Expedition as the official media partner. With its scale and vision, Tushar 2025 promises to be a milestone in strengthening Kerala’s position as a premier tourism hub.

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The vibrant city of Jaipur will host the 5th edition of the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) from September 12 to 14, 2025, at the B.M. Birla Auditorium. The announcement was made following the successful Stakeholders’ Meet, jointly organized by the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR) and the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, at ITC Rajputana, Jaipur.

The meet brought together leading figures from the tourism and hospitality industry. Chief Guest Mr. Rajesh Yadav, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Rajasthan, and Mrs. Rukmani Riar, Commissioner, Department of Tourism, graced the event. Also present were Mr. Apoorv Kumar, Former President, FHTR; Mr. Kuldeep Singh Chandela, President, FHTR; Mr. Surendra S. Shahpura, Senior Vice President, FHTR; and CA Virendra S. Shekhawat, Honorary Secretary, FHTR.

In his keynote, Mr. Yadav highlighted Rajasthan’s growing prominence in tourism, ranking fifth among domestic and international tourist destinations with a 7–8% share in both segments. He stressed the importance of promoting rural tourism and encouraging youth involvement to further strengthen the sector.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Riar pointed out that between 2019 and 2025, Rajasthan’s tourism sector witnessed a 20% rise in its contribution to India’s GDP, while operational expenditure reduced by 9%. She credited FHTR’s active role in national and international tourism programs, adding that RDTM must now position itself effectively on the global stage.

FHTR leaders echoed the government’s commitment. Mr. Chandela called for establishing tourism research institutes to equip students and professionals with deeper knowledge, while expressing gratitude to the state for supporting international promotions. Mr. Shekhawat reiterated FHTR’s role as Rajasthan’s apex tourism body, working simultaneously on advocacy and product promotion.

The upcoming edition of RDTM is being supported by several prestigious industry associations, including the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), Hotels and Restaurants Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI).

In its last edition, RDTM facilitated over 7,000 B2B meetings between 240 national buyers and 280 Rajasthan-based sellers, generating influential leads for hospitality businesses, curated experiences, and destination weddings.

With expectations of larger participation this year, RDTM 2025 is poised to reinforce Rajasthan’s position as a premier tourism hub under the theme “Explore, Discover, Experience & Meet in Rajasthan.”

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The Hospitality Human Resources Conclave 2025 was successfully concluded on 1st September at the TCCI Hall, Jawahar Nagar, Kowdiar, Trivandrum. The event was jointly organised by the South Kerala Hoteliers Forum, the Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), and Metro Mart to address the pressing manpower challenges confronting the hotel and hospitality industry. The conclave witnessed the participation of several stakeholders, including General Managers, HR heads, and representatives from leading hotels and hotel groups.

The inaugural session began with a welcome address by Mr. Prasad Manjali, Secretary General of the South Kerala Hoteliers Forum, followed by the presidential address delivered by Mr. Reghuchandran Nair, President of TCCI. The ceremony was marked by the traditional lighting of the lamp, after which Mr. D. Venkatesan, Regional Director (South), India Tourism, delivered the inaugural address. In his remarks, he highlighted that the hospitality sector is emerging as one of the foremost employment-generating industries in the country. He emphasized the urgent need to integrate technological advancements into the education system and underscored that well-trained manpower is a fundamental requirement for the industry. According to him, the hour demands highly skilled workers, technically proficient employees, and uncompromising standards in customer service.

A special address was delivered by Mr. M. R. Narayanan, President of the South Kerala Hoteliers Forum. The session also featured felicitations by Mr. Abraham Thomas, Secretary of TCCI, Dr. T. Anantha Krishnan, Principal of IHMCT, Trivandrum, Mr. Suresh M. Pillai, Vice President of SIHRA, Mr. Sisupalan, Vice President of SKHF, and Mr. Narendran from India Tourism, Kochi. The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Siji Nair, Joint Secretary of SKHF.

The technical sessions of the conclave opened with insightful presentations by Mr. Rajagopal Iyer, CEO of UDS Group of Hotels, and Mr. Sherin Alphonse, Associate Vice President – HR, CGH Earth Hotels, Kochi. Their talks set the stage for engaging discussions on the evolving human resource dynamics within the hospitality sector.

The conclave featured three panel discussions that explored different dimensions of hospitality human resource management. The first session, moderated by Mr. Shinoj Joseph, General Manager of O by Tamara, Trivandrum, deliberated on the theme “People First: Rethinking HR for a Resilient Hospitality Workforce.” The panelists included Mr. Avinash, Head Manager of Brunton Boatyard, Kochi, Mr. Satheesh Kumar, Corporate HR at UDS Group of Hotels, and Dr. T. Anantha Krishnan, Principal of IHMCT, Trivandrum.

The second session, themed “AI Meets Hospitality: Tech Power with a Human Touch,” was moderated by Mr. Nanthu Oomen Raju, Director of Rajadhani Group of Hotels. Panelists Mr. Sherin Alphonse, AVP–HR of CGH Earth Hotels, Kochi, Mr. Basil George, Head HR at Tamara, and Mr. Sandeep, Head HR of Leela Raviz, Kovalam, reflected on the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence and digital transformation in the sector.

The final session, “Classrooms to Careers: Reimagining Hospitality Education for Tomorrow,” was moderated by Dr. Hari Krishnan, Assistant Professor at KITTS, Trivandrum. The panelists—Mr. Mithun Mohan, HR Manager of Marari Beach Resort, Mr. Mahesh Ramachandran, Director of L&D at Taj Kerala, and Mr. Sreekumar Perozhi, CEO of Greatbell HR Consultancy Services, Kochi—examined the crucial role of education and training in preparing future-ready professionals for the industry.

The conclave served as a significant platform for industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to share insights, exchange ideas, and explore innovative strategies to strengthen the human resource framework in hospitality. With a forward-looking approach, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration and adaptability in shaping the future of this dynamic sector.

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Kerala Tourism’s Social Media Campaign wins PATA Gold 2025
Reaffirming the success of its strategy to connect with travellers through digital medium, Kerala Tourism today walked away with the coveted PATA Gold Award 2025 for the ‘Most Engaging Social Media Campaign’.
Minister for Tourism and Public Works Shri P A Mohamed Riyas received the prestigious honour at a glittering Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) award ceremony at Bangkok this evening, marked by convergence of top tourism sector stakeholders from around the world.

The Minister received the award from Peter Semone, PATA Chair, Noor Ahmad Hamid, PATA CEO and Macao Government Tourism Office representative Maria Helena De Senna Fernandes.

PATA Gold Awards 2025 ceremony and the gala dinner was hosted on the sidelines of PATA Travel Mart at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, in Bangkok.

PATA awards honour exceptional achievements in the travel and tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region. The awards were judged by a distinguished panel of 25 independent experts.

“Kerala Tourism’ s efforts to engage domestic and international tourists on the diversity of Kerala’s tourist destinations through innovative and trending online content has yielded massive response and this award is a shining recognition of our efforts in that direction”, said Shri Riyas after receiving the award.

This is not the first time that Kerala is bestowed with the PATA Gold award. which celebrates the success stories in sustainable and inclusive tourism development, the Minister added.

Smt. Sreedhanya Suresh IAS, Additional Director (General), Kerala Tourism was also present on the occasion.

Earlier, the Kerala Pavilion was formally inaugurated by Shri Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to Thailand.

Trade partners Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort and Trip N Stay Holidays, were part of the Kerala pavilion.

The Meme-based digital make-over of Kerala Tourism blends humour, cultural relevance, and storytelling has received widespread online engagement.
With a cross-platform rollout across Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn, the campaign generated a reach of over 1.2 million and more that 89,700 engagements, while also driving user-generated content, influencer collaborations, and viral success through relatable, Kerala-rooted humour.

By turning traditional promotion into a two-way conversation, it showcased Kerala’s natural beauty and traditions and also set a new benchmark for interactive tourism marketing in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Minister for General Education and Labour Shri V Sivankutty inaugurated Kerala Tourism Department’s Onam Trade Fair and Exhibition here at Suryakanthi Exhibition ground (Kanakakkunnu Palace Complex) on Sunday.
Shri K Ansalan MLA, Tourism Director Smt Sikha Surendran and Tourism Deputy Director Shri Ajeesh Kumar were present at the function.
The trade fair and exhibition will have more than hundred stalls. A wide variety of stalls featuring food items, textiles, jewellery, coir, handicraft items, aquarium, garden plants etc will be part of the Onam trade fair and exhibition.

A stall by Reserve Bank of India to create awareness against online money scams is another highlight of the exhibition.
Other than stalls by departments of central and state governments including Postal department, Suchitwa Mission etc, stalls by organisations in the private and cooperative sector will also be part of the fair.

Amusement park for children and a vibrant garden are other attractions of the fair.
Interested parties can book the stalls for the sale and exhibition of their products. A stall booking office has been opened at Kanakakkunnu.

The trade fair and exhibition will be open for public till September 9.

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In a significant achievement, Technopark has retained the ISO Standards recertification on multiple counts including quality, environment and safety management.

An ISO 9001-certified organization since 1998, Technopark has now been re-certified with ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) by TÜV SÜD South Asia, a renowned Germany-based global leader in Certification, Advisory, Testing, Inspection and Training.

These certifications mark a new milestone for Technopark in the areas of Quality, Environment, and Safety standards reaffirming its adherence to globally recognized standards.

Commenting on this achievement, Col Sanjeev Nair (Retd), CEO of Technopark, said these ISO certifications underscore the park’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards in quality, employee safety, environmental responsibility, project management and operational excellence.

“This recognition highlights our dedication to maintain global standards and provides significant momentum to the robust IT ecosystem in Kerala. Technopark has met the stringent requirements of the ISO standards through sustainable practices, which has grabbed attention of global (IT) firms,” he said.

This is a result of proactive concerted efforts by Technopark team that ensures all sustainable parameters like sustainable and green initiatives are followed diligently to get this coveted ISO standards.

The ISO 9001 certification recognizes Technopark’s ability to consistently deliver high-quality services, driving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. ISO 14001 highlights the park’s sustainable operations and commitment to environmental preservation, while ISO 45001 acknowledges the proactive measures taken to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.

These certifications reflect Technopark’s long-standing commitment to excellence and sustainability, making it an investor friendly digital ecosystem of the country.

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Kerala is set to host the country’s first-ever Wedding & MICE Conclave, offering luxury wedding organisers, major resorts, and stakeholders from the fast-growing wedding and MICE sectors a high-profile platform to showcase their products, perspectives, and vision. The landmark event aims to transform “God’s Own Country” into India’s leading destination for luxury weddings and international MICE programs.

The conclave will open on August 14, 2025, with a grand inauguration at the Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, where keynote speakers and industry leaders will outline the opportunities and future potential of the sector. The following days will feature an action-packed agenda designed to connect Kerala’s sellers with destination wedding planners, MICE operators, and top-tier tourism professionals from across the country and abroad.

On August 15, intensive B2B meetings and business development sessions will take place at Le Méridien Kochi, bringing together service providers, venue operators, and buyers for meaningful collaborations. That evening, Crowne Plaza Kochi will host an exclusive networking session, complete with cocktails and cultural performances, creating a relaxed yet dynamic environment for building partnerships.

The program will also feature expert-led seminars on emerging trends, marketing innovations, and best practices in the wedding and MICE industries, offering delegates valuable insights into navigating an evolving global market.

From August 17 onwards, delegates will embark on familiarization tours across Kerala, visiting premium wedding venues and scenic locations in destinations such as Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Bekal. These tours will highlight the state’s diverse offerings—from pristine beaches and tranquil backwaters to misty mountains, heritage architecture, and world-class resorts.

Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas extended a warm welcome to all participants, saying, “It gives me immense pleasure to welcome all delegates, industry leaders, and stakeholders to the Wedding & MICE Conclave. This is yet another milestone in our mission to position Kerala as a premier global destination for weddings, meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. By showcasing our strengths in event management, hospitality, and unique destination experiences, we aim to attract high-value segments that will significantly contribute to our tourism economy.”

Shri S. Swaminathan, Secretary of Kerala Travel Mart Society, emphasised the broader vision, stating, “The Prestigious Wedding & MICE Conclave 2025 has the potential to transform Kerala into one of the world’s most sought-after MICE destinations. This is not just an event—it’s a catalyst for a new era in Kerala’s tourism story.”

Adding to this, Shri Jose Pradeep remarked, “Kerala has all the elements—natural beauty, cultural richness, and world-class hospitality—to compete on the global stage. This conclave is the perfect platform to bring together stakeholders, spark collaborations, and unlock the immense potential of our wedding and MICE sectors.”

Organizers believe the Wedding & MICE Conclave 2025 will be a turning point for Kerala’s tourism industry. With its unmatched charm, strategic vision, and strong industry participation, the event promises to elevate Kerala’s status as a premier host for the world’s most memorable celebrations and corporate gatherings—setting the stage for long-term growth and international recognition.

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