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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov. 08: Tourism and Public Works Minister Shri PA Mohamed Riyas will flag off the seaplane service that meant to boost the tourism sector in the state on November 11. Minister for Industries, Law and Coir Shri P Rajeeve will preside over the function to be held at Bolgatty Palace, Kochi at 9.30 am. Later, the flight crew and passengers of the seaplane, ‘de Havilland Canada’, will be accorded a reception at Mattupetty Dam in Idukki district in the presence of Minister for Water Resources Shri Roshy Augustine. ‘de Havilland Canada’ will land at the International Airport, Kochi on November ... Read more

Hyderabad, Oct. 18: The Association of Tourism Trade Organizations India (ATTOI) successfully conducted its third roadshow at the Best Western Hotel, Hyderabad. Following the success of earlier events in Coimbatore and Chennai, the Hyderabad event brought together key stakeholders from across the tourism industry. The event witnessed participation from 43 tourism stakeholders, including representatives from hotels, resorts, and tour operators. With 130 buyers registered and 75 tour operators from Hyderabad in attendance, the roadshow provided an excellent platform for networking and business discussions. “The three B2B meets organized by ATTOI have attracted new buyers from all these cities, enabling sellers ... Read more

Travel major Skyscanner’s data place city in 10th spot Thiruvananthapuram, Oct. 14: A survey by global travel leader Skyscanner has placed Kerala capital in the 10th position in the list of the ‘Most Popular Places to Visit in 2025’. The Edinburg-headquartered flight and accommodation booking platform has collected the data based on the biggest increase in searches over the past 12 months for the happening hangouts. Thiruvananthapuram showed a 66 per cent increase in flight searches between January 1, 2024, and June 30, 2024, for travel throughout this year compared to the same period in 2023. The southern Italian seaside city ... Read more

Decision follows Minister Riyas’s intervention Thiruvananthapuram, Sep. 02 In a major labour-friendly initiative in the tourism sector, Kerala Government has made it mandatory for classified hotels and other tourist accommodation units in the state to provide restrooms and other basic facilities for tourist taxi drivers carrying domestic and foreign tourists in their vehicles. The decision was taken in view of the vital role played by taxi drivers in the tourism industry, ensuring safe and comfortable movement of tourists across state. The difficulties faced by tourist taxi drivers were taken upon a priority basis by Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed ... Read more

Tourism emerging as Kerala’s key engine of growth: P A Mohamed Riyas Minister opens KITTS Academic Annex Block Thiruvananthapuram, Aug. 29: Public Works and Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas today said that tourism will become an important sector contributing a significant share of Kerala’s domestic growth. He was inaugurating the Academic Annex Block of the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies, the Department of Tourism’s human resource development institute. The minister said Kerala still has great potential in tourism, and innovative projects are being implemented to tap its full potential. Currently, tourism accounts for nine per cent ... Read more

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug. 02: On August 2, 2024, The Travel Planners, a premier tour operator in Kerala, India, celebrated its 25th anniversary at The Leela Hotel, Kovalam. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Venu IAS, Chief Secretary of Kerala, and featured distinguished guests from the tourism industry, including Mr. Em Najeeb, Mr. Narayanan, Mr. Baby Mathew, and Mr. Sayed Rasheed, Post-Master General Dental and North Kerala Circle. The celebration was attended by hotels, houseboat operators, and resort owners, among others. Founded in 1999 by Mr. Anish Kumar P.K., The Travel Planners began as a one-man operation following his completion of the ... Read more

  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

[gallery columns=”2″ size=”medium” ids=”47972,47970,47971″]   Tourism Minister to inaugurate Dec. 24-Jan. 2 gala at Kanakakkunnu Thiruvananthapuram, Dec. 19: Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas will inaugurate the flower show and grand illumination, organized by the Department of Tourism, to rev up the festive mood ahead of New Year in the capital city on December 24. The opening ceremony of the grand show, ‘Vasantholsavam’, will be held at Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds at 6 pm. Minister for General Education and Labour Shri V Sivankutty will preside over the function where Minister for Transport Shri Antony Raju and Minister for Food and ... Read more

Pre-sale ticket counter opened for ‘Vasantholsavam’. Mayor Arya Rajendran presents Vasantholsavam first ticket to V K Prasanth, MLA Thiruvananthapuram, Dec. 19: Corporation Mayor Smt Arya Rajendran today inaugurated the pre-sale ticket counter for ‘Vasantholsavam – New Year Illumination 2023’ ushering in Christmas and New Year celebrations, organised by the Department of Tourism at Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds,here. The Mayor made the first sale of ticket to the festival of flowers and light by handing it over to Shri V K Prasanth, MLA. Smt Arya said the festivities during Christmas-New Year week are aimed at creating an opportunity for people to come ... Read more