Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Limited
Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Ltd or, formerly Tourist Resorts Limited, is a Government of Kerala undertaking under Kerala Tourism Department, established in August 1989 to promote tourism investment and to develop Tourism infrastructure in the Indian state of Kerala. KTIL was conceived to identify tourism infrastructure needs of the state and bridge any identified gaps. Kerala is today growing at an amazing pace in tourism, adhering to the principles of indigenousness, environmental sustainability and community participation. Kerala's beaches, hill stations, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, historical monuments, etc. attract foreign as well as domestic tourists.
The growth in Tourism Industry has also created an infrastructure gap in various tourism amenities, resulting in a disparity in supply and demand. KTIL is working towards creating various investment, development and partnership models to address this issue and to catalyse growth.
Administration
KTIL was separated from KTDC in 1989, as an independent company. A 1005 government owned enterprise, the company is managed by Managing Director, who reports to Chairman. The Government Secretary to Tourism Department, is the ex-officio Chairman of KTIL. The current Chairman is Sri. Sajeesh S K and Managing Director is Dr Manoj Kumar K. There are 3 nominated directors in the Board of Directors. The Government Secretary of Finance, Director of Kerala Tourism and Managing Director of KTDC are other members in the board.KTIL Activities
Source:The range of activities conducted by KTIL can be broadly divided into three.
Joint Venture Partnerships
The primary function of the company is to develop public-private partnership projects for tourism infrastructure development. Taj Kerala Hotels and Resorts is a joint venture between KTIL and Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces under the PPP model. KTIL announced its latest PPP model project, an urban entertainment centre at Veli, Thiruvananthapuram. This particular project will contribute significantly to the tourism development of the capital city and Kerala as a whole.KTIL-Taj JV
A pioneer in India in forging joint venture relationships with private sector, KTIL has floated joint ventures with Taj group. The joint venture company Taj Kerala Hotels and Resorts Ltd has developed the following Resort/Star Hotel projects in KTIL's properties:Gateway Varkala
Taj Kumarakom
Located next to the Vembanad lake and a bird sanctuary, the Taj Kumarakom is 14 km from Kottayam, and is accessible by both land and water.
Flora Airport Hotel & Convention Centre
Located near Cochin International Airport in Kochi, Kerala, India.
Vivanta Ernakulam
Vivanta Ernakulam is located on Marine Drive.
PPP Venture
KTIL envisages developing tourism based projects on PPP Model, utilizing idle land owned by the Government in locations having tourism potential. One of the first project, identified is development of Veli Urban Entertainment Center with an amusement park, recreational hub and cultural museum.In addition, KTIL have already partnered with Kerala Tourism for constructing mega International Convention Center at Akkulam in Thiruvananthapuram, along with Mumbai-based Raheja Group.
Apart from it, KTIL is planning to start similar International Convention Center facility in Kochi in PPP Model.
RE - NRK partnership
KTIL developed an initiative wherein a platform for interaction between resident entrepreneurs and non-resident Keralites were developed to promote investment in the sector.Government projects
KTIL worked as implementing agency for government projects like Sarovaram Bio Park, Thalassery Heritage Tourism Circuit Development, and the Thali Project.- Sarovaram Bio Park is an eco-tourism initiative by Government of Kerala. The bio park which was earlier known as dream city is located a Kozhikode district of Kerala. The project is executed after taking into consideration the environmental aspects. The park is located in an ecosystem consisting of Canoly Canal, wet lands, mangrove, bird habitat etc.Thalaserry Circuit, consisting of an Overburrys folly with View tower, walkway etc., a sea-view park, a pathway connecting Overburrys folly and sea-view children's park and a municipal park with recreation and cafes, located near Thalassery Fort, a prominent tourist location.Thali Temple Conservation Project, Kozhikode is one of the ancient Siva Temples in Kerala dating back to the days of the Zamorin's rule. The temple with its well balanced combination of wood and laterate in construction is considered one of the icons of the cultural heritage of Kerala, especially the Malabar region.