Change is the only constant in life, they say and E M Najeeb, managing director of Great India Tour Company (GITC) believes it wholeheartedly. Hence, instead of basking in the success of existing packages of his company, he regularly develops tailor-made packages trying to explore new prospective segments. The company, already known for its innovative packages that have their fair share of contribution in making Kerala a favoured destination, has recently launched an educational package ‘Learn and Relax’. “Our aim is to give a personalised experience to visitors so that they visit Kerala again,” says Najeeb.

The package, combining education with leisure, is tailor-made for the youth from foreign countries willing to undergo short educational courses in India. Ask Najeeb what gave him the idea of such a package and comes a thoughtful reply, “Kerala, renowned for its 100 per cent literacy rate and highest number of quality medical, engineering, management, arts colleges and IT institutions, has always been the destination for students seeking quality education. Trivandrum, the capital city, for example, is one, which has the highest number of students, educational institutions, academicians, teachers etc. Kerala’s tourist attractions, its natural beauty and cultural richness are too compelling for any student to resist visiting the place. With this new package, we are in the process of tapping the market.”

The course can be anything from a language course in English, French, German, Russian, Hindi and Malayalam, to a short-term computer course, or a continued education session for professionals, or a music or dance course. The duration of such courses may extend to two to three months. GITC will make arrangements for the course combining with holidays at beautiful locales. Classes will be conducted without breaking the holiday mood. GITC will be the one-stop contact for co-ordinating, accommodation, surface transfer, courses, course material, entertainment and sightseeing.

Has GITC tied up with any institutions to conduct the courses? “No, we have not tied-up with any institutions as such. Depending on the course, we associate with leading institutions for conducting the course. The courses will be conducted at resorts, hotels or any scenic locales. There will also be familiarisation visits to leading institutions in the field,” explains Najeeb.
The package is mainly targeted at the Middle-East market, while some special interest packages like ayurveda, classical dance, classical music will be marketed in the European countries too.

Najeeb believes the future of this segment is very bright as tourist will be on special interest programmes with a specific focus. So, it will be experience that will count.