LATEST NEWS : KERALA TO ENSURE BASIC AMENITIES FOR DRIVERS IN HOTELS : TOURISM MINISTER

• P A Mohamed Riyas meets representatives of taxi and tour operators’ associations

TTT NEWS NETWORK

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, 11 JANUARY 2024:

In a labour-friendly initiative in the tourism sector, necessary steps will be taken to ensure basic amenities for drivers in hotels, resorts and homestays, Tourism Minister of Kerala,  P A Mohamed Riyas said  on Wednesday.

Speaking at a meeting of taxi and autorickshaw unions and travel and tour operators’ associations here, Mr. Riyas said hotels, resorts and homestays must ensure that basic facilities are provided to drivers coming with guests.

Kerala will set an example for the entire country in the tourism sector with this initiative, the Minister said.

“We can’t ignore the immense contributions of workers including drivers in the tourism sector. It is a humane gesture that two rooms are exclusively set up for drivers at these properties apart from the staff rooms,” the Minister noted.

Drivers, who are the brand ambassadors of Kerala Tourism, face various problems, which need to be addressed, he said.

Mr. Riyas said that the Department of Tourism is planning to host zonal-wise awareness campaigns and orientation programmes for drivers, besides issuing specific ID cards for them to facilitate their stay at tourism destinations.

The Government would explore the possibility of including a clause in the hotel classification norms to ensure basic facilities for drivers in hotels and homestays including rooms, washrooms and toilets, the Minister said.

“Creating an app on roads is also under consideration for drivers to make their trips hasslefree. Besides, there are plans to set up comfort stations at 153 government rest houses across the state,” he added.

Tourism Secretary, Mr.K.  Biju said ensuring basic facilities for drivers at hotels, resorts and homestays is a necessity and it should be implemented at the earliest.

Tourism Additional Director (General) , Mr. S Premkrishnan was also present.

Representatives of Kerala State Tourist Package Drivers and Workers Union, Kerala Travel Mart Society, Kerala Taxi and Auto-rickshaw Union, and travel and tour operators attended the meeting.