The tie-up aims to empower stakeholders in cutting-edge technologies
Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS), the HR development wing of Kerala State Tourism Department, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Digital University Kerala (DUK) to introduce innovative, technology-integrated programmes in the tourism and hospitality sector on October 24, 2024, at Thiruvananthapuram.
Mr. P A Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Kerala who is also the Chairman of KITTS, exchanged the MoU with Dr. Saji Gopinath, Vice Chancellor of DUK, in the presence of Ms. Sikha Surendran IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism. The MoU was signed by Dr. Dileep M R, Director, KITTS and Prof. Mujeeb, Registrar of DUK.
Dr. B Rajendran, Principal, KITTS; Dr P.K. Hari Krishnan, Coordinator, KITTS; DUK faculty Prof. Santhosh Kurup and Dr. Sini V Pillai were also present on the occasion.
Mr. P. A. Mohamed Riyas said the MoU is part of the mission of the government to upgrade the activities of KITTS on par with global standards.
“This collaboration comes close on the heels of the opening of the new academic block on the campus. As part of the mission, various initiatives will be implemented at KITTS in future,” Mr Riyas added.
Significantly, the tie-up comes in the backdrop of Kerala Tourism increasingly leveraging cutting-edge digital tools and media in all verticals and planning to set up a technology hub-cum-incubator to mould startups exclusively catering to tourism.
The strategic collaboration aims to equip students, industry professionals, and government officials with cutting-edge skills to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape across the globe. It would help stakeholders of the tourism industry attain competitiveness since they are relying largely on digital platforms from destination research to booking and trip planning.
The new courses being offered through this MoU will focus on key technology areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data analytics, digital and social media marketing, and management systems.
Besides, these programmes will serve as additional certifications or diploma courses for KITTS students, who can enhance their prowess in digital technologies, and it will also create opportunities for their placements.
Industry professionals will benefit from capacity-building programmes designed to hone their expertise in tech-driven management for the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The initiative also includes specialized courses for officials of the Department of Tourism, District Tourism Promotions Councils (DTPCs), and other related public sector agencies, aimed at improving proficiency in technology tools and cybersecurity measures. The tie-up will empower tourism stakeholders with advanced digital solutions and enhance the overall efficiency, resilience, and future readiness of Kerala’s tourism industry.
Thiruvananthapuram-based KITTS, an affiliated member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and an authorised learning centre of IATA (International Air Transport Association), offers over 10 different industry-based courses including MBA and conducts free training programmes for the State and Central governments.
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