Educational Tourism avenues at Thodupuzha

22

Feb 20

Tourism is the second largest foreign exchange earner in India. The tourism industry employs a large number of people, both skilled and unskilled. Hotels, travel agencies, transport including airlines benefit a lot from this industry. Tourism promotes national integration it generates foreign exchange. It promotes cultural activities. Tourism also promotes the traditional handicrafts sector. The tourist gets an insight into the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India. India is one of the popular tourist destinations in Asia. India offers a wide array of places to see  and things to do. The delighting backwaters, hill stations and landscapes make India a beautiful country. Historical monuments, forts, beaches, places of religious interests, hill resorts, etc. add to the grandeur of the country. They attract tourists from all over the world.The hotel sector forms the key segment of tourism industry. Most of the foreign exchange earned by tourist industry is accounted for by hotel segment. Realising the importance of hotel segment, the Government has taken initiatives to encourage hotel industry by providing tax benefits and other incentives.

Thodupuzha is a  gateway town located in the Idukki district of Kerala. Thodupuzha is often  consideredas the fastest growing town in Central Kerala, having transformed from a small, riverside settlement to a flourishing industrial and tourist hub. By nick name it is called the ‘Hollywood of Kerala’ as the town has been used as a filming location. Thodupuzha is an ideal destination for nature lovers who wish to lose themselves in the surrounding wilderness and forested hillocks. The nearby important tourist locations are IllikkalKallu, Kulamavu, Vagamon, Malankara Dam, Thommankuth etc. Thodupuzha is a must-visit for mountain lovers, adventure seekers and anyone looking to relax in the lap of nature.

Lot of opportunities are available in the tourism sector and  to encourage the young generation to take up entrepreneurship/job in the sector, there is  need to develop educational tourism hub at Thodupuzha to provide skill training.  Lack of trained Hospitality and Travel management people hits back the development of tourism in the area.  Institutes providing specialized skill training in Hospitality and Travel management at Thodupuzha will definitely boost the job opportunities for the young people of Idukki District.