Munnar College and Kerala Tourism Create a New Learning Opportunity

Innovative Training in Adventure Tourism

In Munnar, students are engaging in adventure tourism training, a program developed under the Kerala Higher Education Department’s initiative called ‘Earn While You Learn’. This training equips participants with essential skills to serve as guides and trainers in a variety of adventure sports, addressing the growing demand in Kerala’s adventure tourism sector.

Empowering Local Students

Among the enthusiastic trainees is John Nikesh, a second-year mathematics student at Government College, Munnar. He finds great value in learning about adventure tourism, which he believes will open up job opportunities while he continues his education. This unique one-week training program, offered by the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS), aims to provide practical skills and local employment opportunities.

For Nikesh, who hails from a family of estate workers, the initiative represents a valuable source of income. His mother works as a laborer, and his father sells lottery tickets. With the opportunity to train as a part-time guide in Munnar, he sees a brighter path ahead.

Building Confidence and Entrepreneurial Spirit

Soorya, a first-year M.Com student, shares a similar sentiment. The training ignited her passion for entrepreneurship within the tourism sector. “Munnar is a land of vast opportunities,” she states, envisioning a career involving zip-lining and paragliding training. Traveling from a small village nearby, she spends considerable money commuting to college each day. “Earning an income while studying would be a huge relief,” she expresses, outlining her plans to launch her own tourism venture after completing her studies.

Selecting Future Leaders in Adventure Tourism

The cohort consists of 18 handpicked students, carefully selected based on their physical fitness and suitability for the program. Conducted in collaboration with the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) under the Tourism Department, this initiative aims to develop necessary skills and knowledge to meet the emerging job opportunities in the region.

Through this training, students like Nikesh and Soorya are laying the groundwork to become leaders in their community. KITTS Director M R Dileep confirms the program’s significance, stating that this is the first full-fledged course in adventure tourism dedicated to students.

The Growing Adventure Tourism Sector

Over the past few years, adventure tourism in Kerala has experienced remarkable growth, leading to numerous employment opportunities. This course is expected to train about 300 students this year, focusing on various adventure skills such as rock climbing. Soorya mentions how much she has already learned in the program, which positions her favorably for future employment as a guide.

Job Opportunities and Safety Assurance

Successfully completing the seven-day training opens doors for immediate employment in adventure parks and related institutions. Binu Kuriakose, the CEO of KATPS, highlights the shortage of trained professionals in the field, stating that deploying the newly trained students will help fill this gap. Currently, many adventure tourism employers are relying on talent from other states, making local, certified training particularly essential.

As Kerala’s adventure tourism market expands, so too does the need for a capable workforce to assist adventure travelers and ensure their safety. Kuriakose emphasizes that certified training will create more job opportunities for students right in their own communities.

Enhancing Munnar’s Tourism Landscape

With a renewed focus on adventure tourism, Kerala is constantly adding new, exciting destinations aimed at adventurers, helping the state attract more visitors. Furthermore, the Kerala Tourism Department is hosting international events like surfing, paragliding, and mountain cycling championships, aiming to position Kerala prominently on the global adventure tourism map. Dileep mentions plans to introduce training in water sports such as surfing and rafting in the near future.

Financial Support for Students

Under the Earn While You Learn program, the Higher Education Department contributes financial support of ₹14,000 per student for this valuable training. The initiative not only facilitates skill acquisition but also enhances employment prospects.

Additionally, another 15 students from Munnar College are set to partake in a five-day training program on tourism at the same campus, further showcasing the comprehensive approach to enhancing local tourism skills.

Local Community Engagement

Aju T G, a physical education teacher at Munnar Government College, initiated the idea of adventure training for students, recognizing their intimate knowledge of Munnar as a premier tourism destination. This training program not only prepares students for jobs but also allows them to explore and innovate tourism opportunities in their native land.

Many students come from economically challenged backgrounds, such as families of plantation workers and tribal communities. This training is a rare opportunity for them to expand their horizons and experience the world beyond their immediate surroundings.

Conclusion: Benefits of Training in Adventure Tourism

The advent of training programs like these not only offers students valuable skills but also contributes positively to the local economy. Even the best reviews of this educational initiative cannot replace the real-life experiences and challenges these individuals will face in the tourism sector. As more tourists are drawn to Kerala’s beautiful attractions, transfers and taxi services are set to play a crucial role in facilitating their experiences. GetTransfer.com provides an extensive range of private transfer options, empowering travelers with the ability to choose their desired vehicles and services based on budget and personal preferences.

In summary, the training program not only empowers youth through education, but it also strengthens the local infrastructure necessary for tourism growth. With GetTransfer.com facilitating seamless transportation options for tourists, the combined efforts in nurturing local talent and infrastructure will surely yield significant benefits for Kerala’s adventure tourism landscape. The ease of booking transport for both tourists and locals becomes an invaluable asset in shaping their journey. Book your ride with GetTransfer.com today and experience the convenience of personalized travel solutions.