P K Anish Kumar, President, Association of Tourism Trade Operators India (ATTOI) and C S Vinod, Vice President, receiving appreciation certificate from the Tourism Minister, Kadakampally Surendran.
Tourism Department of Kerala honoured tourism professionals who took part in the rescue and relief activities during the recent floods in Kerala. Kadakampally Surendran, Kerala Tourism Minister, felicitated tourism fraternity and appreciated their selfless participation to the rescue and relief activities during the floods. The programme was held at the Kanakakkunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram.
EM Najeeb and V Sreekumara Menon representing Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), receive certificate from the Minister
“The flood and rain has caused widespread damaged to the tourism industry. One of the main challenges is the major roads to the tourism destinations, which are damaged in most of the areas. Tourism department will take initiative to make the roads suitable for transportation with immediate effect,” the minister said while addressing the gathering.
Rupesh Kumar, Director of Responsible Tourism Mission being felicitated by the Tourism Minister; K. Muraleedharan MLA on the left
The minister lauded the active participation of the tourism fraternity in the rescue and relief operations. Volunteers from the tourism sector have taken part in rescuing people from the flood ridden areas and also provided them with essential daily materials. He also mentioned the supports extended by the central ministry during the disaster.
Representative of the House Boat Owners Federation being felicitated
Houseboat owners have given away their house boats for those who lost their dwellings. Some of the houseboats are still functioning as relief camps in Alappuzha. They have also supplied rescue and safety materials for those indulged in rescue operations. Jatayu Earth’s Center in Chadayamangalam, Kollam, has provided their helicopter for free of charge, to be used in the rescue operations.
Rain and flood have hit the tourism industry, while it was recovering from the bruises given by Nipah virus outbreak. The minister expressed hope that the tourism industry would bounce back within no time. “A master plan to overcome the current situation will be formulated with the recommendations of the tourism advisory committee,” said the minister.
Thekkady Destination Promotion Council (TDPC) receives certificate
Life guards, boat drivers and other employees of KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation) and TDPC (Thekkady Destination Promotion Council), and those who participated in the rescue and relief activities, representing different organizations of the tourism industry, were felicitated by the Tourism Minister.
Baby Mathew Somatheeram, President of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) receives certificate.
Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) receives certificate
P Balakiran, Tourism Director; E M Najeeb, Senior Vice President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO); P K Anish Kumar, President, Association of Tourism Trade Operators India (ATTOI); Baby Mathew Somatheeram, President, Kerala Travel Mart (KTM); Rahul R, Managing Director, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC); Mrunmai Joshi, Additional Director, Kerala Tourism were also present at the function.
