In a bid to modernize tourism education and training, the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Digital University Kerala (DUK) on Thursday. This strategic collaboration introduces a series of technology-integrated programmes aimed at enhancing the skills of tourism and hospitality professionals, along with students and government officials in the sector.
Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, who also chairs KITTS, formalized the MoU with DUK Vice-Chancellor Saji Gopinath in Thiruvananthapuram. Minister Riyas emphasized that this initiative aligns with the government’s goal to elevate KITTS to international standards, following the recent inauguration of a new academic block on its campus. “The partnership will drive several key initiatives at KITTS, bringing our programmes up to speed with global advancements,” he noted in a press release.
Through this agreement, KITTS aims to equip stakeholders in the tourism industry with advanced skills relevant to the digital age, where much of the travel experience—from destination discovery to booking—is shaped by online platforms. The curriculum of these new programmes will cover areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital and social media marketing, and management systems.
The courses will be available to KITTS students as additional certifications or diploma options and will also include specialized training for personnel from the Tourism Department, District Tourism Promotion Councils, and other public sector entities. This is expected to boost digital proficiency and cybersecurity awareness among professionals in Kerala’s tourism sector.
