Efforts on to regain Kovalam’s lost glory

Thiruvananthapuram: The second edition of ‘My Kovalam My Responsibility’ programme was inaugurated by MLA M Vincent at Kovalam on Wednesday. The event, organized by Hotel Uday Samudra, aims to project and promote Kovalam as a safe and secure tourist destination. It also plans to create a sense of individual responsibility among all stakeholders to make Kovalam a sustainable tourist destination.
The initiative aims to bring together various stakeholders such as tour operators, hoteliers, government departments, local residents, vendors and taxi drivers by informing and educating them on the importance of responsible tourism.
The highlight of the programme was the distribution of awards for best artisans and service providers such as handloom weavers, pottery makers, taxi drivers, auto drivers and lifeguards. A lifetime achievement award was given to L Sumarajan for his extraordinary contribution in organizing Vellayani boat race. It was followed by the inauguration of the website and release of logo for Vellayani boat race, 2019.
A magazine titled ‘Discover Trivandrum’, which gives details of various tourist spots of in the city and surrounding regions, was released by Rajashekharan Nair, CMD,UDS Hotels and Resorts. A sessions on ‘how to make our destination better’ was led by Suresh Jacob of Somatheeram Group and a presentation on ‘introduction to cycling tour’ was done by students of CET.
“The idea to hold such an event was born in the mind of our CEO after noticing a dip in tourist arrivals last year,’ said the UDS corporate communications manager Guru Prasad.
“I feel everyone talks a lot about change but fails to take any action. I thought that, as a beginning, I should do something in this regard,” said, Raja Gopal Iyer, CEO of the group.
The event was attended by ward councillor A Niza Beevi and senior officials of the Leela and Somatheeram groups.