Tourism clubs launched in 46 colleges in Ernakulam

Kochi: In a bid to enhance tourism literacy and strengthen community involvement in the sector, state tourism department launched tourism clubs in 46 colleges across Ernakulam district. The initiative, modelled along the lines of National Service Scheme (NSS), aims to engage students in tourism-related activities through structured clubs supported by colleges and guided by faculty coordinators and tourism officials.State secretary of the project Sachin P told TOI that each club will comprise 50 student members. A monitoring committee chaired by tourism minister P A Mohamed Riyas will oversee functioning of the clubs.The initiative follows a successful pilot at Aakkulam Tourism Village in Thiruvananthapuram. One of the flagship activities of the clubs is the Destination Adoption programme, where colleges take responsibility for a nearby tourism destination. Students will be encouraged to implement positive changes, thereby reshaping tourism experience and culture of the area.Sachin added that volunteers participating in the clubs will receive grants and opportunities to earn a part-time income. The department will also organize destination camps exclusively for club members. In Ernakulam, these camps are expected to take place in Aug.District tourism promotion council secretary Lijo Joseph said the initiative is set to bring significant changes to tourism landscape in Ernakulam by building awareness among students as well as other stakeholders. "Club members will also be involved in various events conducted by the department in the district," he said.