Travel Planners moves to new office

Anish Kumar, CEO, Travel Planners receiving the award for the Kerala State Tourism Award for Best Innovative Tourism Product 2006-07

Travel Planners one of south India's leading specialised tour operators in tailor-made holidays to Kerala has moved to a new office in Thiruvanathapuram. Started in the year 1999, as a specialised tour operator for south India, the company has grown to become one of the leading and most respected operators recognised by ministry of tourism, Government of India. The new office is a two-storeyed building with 1,800 sq feet located just three kms from Thiruvanathapuram airport and it is on the way to Kovalam. The office is highly sophisticated with wireless network and a restroom for staff working late nights. The company also proposes to have another floor exclusively for MICE tourism.

The new office also saw the introduction of new khadi uniforms for the company's staff members. "As part of responsible tourism it will provide relief to the khadi workers who find it difficult to make both ends meet owing to the ever-decreasing demand for the material and the consequent closure of khadi-making units" feels Anish Kumar P K, CEO, Travel Planners. According to Anish, there was 70 per cent increase in tourist arrivals during the last season. The domestic tourist arrivals showed remarkable increase, thanks to the budget airlines for their frequency and competitive fares. He also feels, for the coming season, the first results for 2008 - 09 suggest relative stability of international tourism. In spite of uncertainties posed by the global economy, international tourist arrivals will grow and there is good demand from our international source markets.

On the KTM event to be held in Kochi, he added, "KTM 2008 is going to be a big event showcasing 270 different tourism products from the state. The number of sellers has increased considerably and KTM is the only platform where almost all the service providers in the tourism industry in Kerala meet. As a tour operator we have the opportunity to meet the international and domestic tour operators as well as to get to know about the new tourism products. This KTM we are expecting more number of new Operators from New source markets like Brazil, China and South East Asia. It is through KTM the Home stays in Kerala became so popular and many inbound operators are always interested in including a stay with local family when they propose itinerary to their clients".