United voice of Kerala trade

Thirty six registered trade associations representing different sectors of the travel and hospitality industries in Kerala have unanimously decided to continue under one umbrella organisation – the Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry (CKTI).

The Confederation has re-elected EM Najeeb, Chairman, ATE group; Senior Vice President, IATO and Former President of KTM Society as the President, while Sajeev Kurup, Managing Director, Ayurvedamana Hospitals; President Ayurveda Promotion Society and Former Secretary of KTM Society has been elected as General Secretary. Jose Dominic, Chairman, CGH Earth Hotels is the Advisor and G Gopinath, Managing Director, BTH Hotels Kochi and President, Kerala Classified and Approved Hotels is the Treasurer.

A 65-member Executive Committee and a 35-member Task Force was also formed from all trade associations. The main aim of CKTI is to ensure survival and subsequent revival of the industry from the pandemic. The Confederation has also sought an urgent financial aid package for the survival of the state’s biggest service industry sector and other recovery measures for the 15 lakh employees who are directly linked to travel, tourism and hospitality. The various tourism industry associations under CKTI have submitted many representations and suggestions to governments for the mere survival and existence of the sector through financial aid packages and expect favourable decisions. The demands include waiving of taxes for one year and fixed electricity tariffs.

In conversation with TRAVTALK, Najeeb said that under the umbrella of CKTI, all associations in the state are working together to save the industry from troubled times. “We have also decided to set up some CSR initiatives to help entrepreneurs and staff members of the tourism industry in Kerala who are in dire need. The industry has so far not received any support from the state government or from the Central government,” he shared.

CKTI has decided to start with 1000 food kits for the immediate requirement of those who are in need. Najeeb added that they have formed committees to function effectively for CKTI.