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Kerala Trains Tamil Nadu Tourism Officials in Sustainable Travel Models

The Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies has launched a training programme for 60 Tourism Information Officers from Tamil Nadu. The initiative, inaugurated by Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas, focuses on sharing Kerala's successful sustainable tourism and destination management models. The curriculum emphasises Responsible Tourism initiatives and practices that balance growth with environmental responsibility. This collaboration, stemming from earlier discussions, aims to foster regional growth through structured tourism diplomacy and shared expertise.

Key Points: Kerala Institute Trains TN Officials in Sustainable Tourism

  • Inter-state tourism training initiative
  • Focus on sustainable & responsible tourism models
  • Knowledge exchange for South India's growth
  • Hands-on exposure to Kerala's frameworks
2 min read

Kerala's travel institute begins training programme for TN tourism officials

Kerala's tourism institute launches training for Tamil Nadu officials, focusing on sustainable models, responsible tourism, and regional collaboration.

"Kerala is committed to providing a world-class learning experience to our colleagues from Tamil Nadu. - P. A. Mohamed Riyas"

Thiruvananthapuram, March 4

In a significant inter-state collaboration, the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies, the human resource development arm of Kerala's Tourism Department, has launched a comprehensive training programme for tourism officials from Tamil Nadu, focusing on Kerala's sustainable and innovative tourism models.

The programme, inaugurated online by Tourism and Public Works Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas at the KITTS campus here, will train 60 Tourism Information Officers from Tamil Nadu serving at the state and district levels.

Conducted in two batches, the first session began on Wednesday, with the second scheduled from March 10 to March 12.

Welcoming the participants, Riyas underscored the importance of knowledge exchange in unlocking the full potential of tourism in South India.

"Kerala is committed to providing a world-class learning experience to our colleagues from Tamil Nadu. By sharing our successful models, we aim to foster collective growth that benefits the entire region," he said.

Tourism Secretary K. Biju lauded KITTS for spearheading professional development initiatives that strengthen regional cooperation and institutional capacity.

The curriculum places strong emphasis on Kerala's globally recognised Responsible Tourism (RT) initiatives, sustainable destination management practices, and branding and promotional strategies that balance tourism growth with environmental and social responsibility.

Participants will gain hands-on exposure to policy frameworks and implementation mechanisms that have positioned Kerala as a benchmark in community-based and eco-conscious tourism development.

The current initiative builds on discussions held in August 2025, when a KITTS delegation met officials of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department in Chennai to explore synergies in skill development, human resource training, and tourist guide certification.

The knowledge-sharing engagement is expected to expand further, with a proposed visit by Tamil Nadu District Collectors to study Kerala's District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) model and the 'Destination Challenge' framework.

Officials described the collaboration as a step towards structured "tourism diplomacy", aimed at creating a resilient, competitive, and sustainable travel ecosystem across southern India through shared expertise and institutional partnerships.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative. But I hope this isn't just a symbolic gesture. The real test will be if the learnings are actually implemented on the ground in TN. Our states should compete on quality, not just on marketing.
A
Arjun K
As someone from Chennai who loves visiting Kerala, this is a smart move. Tamil Nadu has incredible potential—beaches, temples, hills—but Kerala's management and branding are top-notch. Learning from them can only be good for us.
S
Sarah B
"Tourism diplomacy" – love that term! This is how progress happens. Instead of states working in silos, sharing best practices will elevate the entire region's offering for domestic and international tourists.
M
Meera T
The focus on sustainability is key. Many beautiful places are getting ruined by unchecked tourism. If both states can grow responsibly, it protects our environment and culture for future generations. Well done, KITTS!
V
Vikram M
Good step. Hope they also discuss how to manage tourist crowds during peak season. Ooty and Munnar both face similar issues. A coordinated strategy for the Western Ghats region would be a game-changer.

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