THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS) in the city had some special visitors the other day when a team from Sweden visited the state government-run institution to explore the possibility of an academic tie-up.
The four member team from Plusgymnasiet Institute for Hotel and Tourism in Sweden, was led by Marcus Weinerall, head of tourism and hospitality. The team also included the head of the spa wing of the institute, internship coordinator and a faculty member.
The delegation interacted with KITTS director Rajshree Ajith, faculty members and students to work out the details of the tie-up. The institute in Sweden invited students of KITTS for an internship programme in travel and hospitality courses. The possibility of Swedish students undergoing internship at KITTS was also discussed.
The focus of the academic exchange programme will be on sustainable tourism. The programme will equip students and faculty members to learn about the challenges facing the hospitality industry and come up with ways to tackle them.
The proposed student and faculty exchange programme is being funded by the Swedish government. In order to formalise the programme, Catherine Higgins, director and principal of the institute, will visit the state soon. The proposal will then be cleared by the Swedish government.
The Swedish delegation later called on Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran at his office and briefed him about the intent of their visit to the state.