Paradise “Kerala” Holidays, one of the leading tour operators in South India, accredited by Kerala Tourism, has taken a novel initiative to keep Munnar, the most crowded hill station destination in Kerala, clean and green. With the support of their drivers, staff members, and a few resorts in Munnar, they are working to maintain the natural beauty of this popular destination.
Munnar, known for its lush green tea gardens, wildlife, and cool climate, has faced challenges in recent years. Unplanned development and heavy tourist traffic, especially post-COVID, have led to an increase in plastic waste and litter. The peak tourist seasons, such as the Jacaranda flowering season and school holidays, have further exacerbated the situation.
Recognizing the impact of over-tourism, Paradise “Kerala” Holidays took the initiative to clean up the destination. Their efforts have been supported by various stakeholders in the tourism industry, who expressed their concerns through WhatsApp groups and other forums. The Kochi-based tour operator stepped up to lead the cleanup campaign.
Mr Ratheesh R. Nath, Chairman and Managing Director of Paradise “Kerala” Holidays, expressed his commitment to the cause in an interview with Tourism India. “As a tour operator deeply connected to Munnar, we feel it is our responsibility to keep it green. This initiative is our way of contributing to a cleaner environment and promoting sustainable tourism. I’m proud of our drivers and staff who have actively participated in this campaign.”
He also added, “We intend to take this initiative forward by forming a common platform that includes stakeholders, locals, shopkeepers, and local bodies. Our approach will not be the conventional method of organizing periodic cleaning campaigns, but rather by propagating the idea of Clean & Green Munnar.”
The campaign received a great response, with over 50 staff members from various hotels joining the cleanup at Rajamala, the gateway to Eravikulam National Park and the abode of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Support came from Eastend Hotels, The Leaf Resorts, Arbour Resorts, Munnar Queen, Aaron’s Cottage, British County Resorts and Spa, The Tall Trees Munnar, and the Lions Club of Munnar.
Mr Ratheesh R. Nath, an IIM alumnus with an MS from Coventry University, shifted his career from being an analyst at Tata Motors to the tourism industry to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. His expertise in information technology, marketing, sales, strategy, soft skill development, and counselling has significantly contributed to the rapid growth of Paradise Kerala Holidays. He is also a philanthropist, dedicated to making a positive impact on society.
Mr. Ratheesh has consistently demonstrated social responsibility through various initiatives under Paradise Kerala Holidays and their CSR activities under Raveendra Trust, whose goal is to help poor people.
Paradise Kerala Holidays believes in giving back to the community and takes its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) very seriously. They have supported many initiatives, including donating clothes and materials to 150 families, providing flood relief to Nilambur in Malappuram district, donating beds to 400 flood-affected families, organizing cancer awareness and de-addiction camps, distributing school bags, offering accident insurance policies to drivers, providing study materials to the Kerala Construction Labour Union. Other activities include financial support for Education, Medical treatments, Organizing blood donation camps, and more.
Also Read
Qatar Airways Named World’s Best Airline at Skytrax World Airline Awards 2024
Watch on Youtube
Kuchipudi – Geetha Padma Kumar
