Kerala government has come out with a major project to make autorickshaw drivers the brand ambassadors of Kerala Tourism. Titled the “Tuk Tuk Tour” project, the state government has decided to rope in the support of autorickshaw drivers to ensure that the tourists get to enjoy the rustic life of Kerala.
“With the aim of spreading benefits of the tourism sector to all sectors of society, the tourism department has launched the Tuk Tuk Tour project promoting auto-rickshaw drivers as state tourism ambassadors. Apart from the famous tourist destinations, the project also aims to introduce local places to the tourists and thereby giving more strength to inland tourism. Auto rickshaws can also help travellers in places where large vehicles do not pass. Apart from being a small transport system connecting all destinations in a region, auto rickshaws are a source of information regarding major tourist destinations with their characteristics, climate, challenges, and possibilities,” said an official statement.
“We are really happy that the state government has recognised us as brand ambassadors for promoting tourism in the state. It’s in fact a recognition for us,” said Sadashivan Pillai, a 52-year-old autodriver of Fort Kochi, one of the famous tourist destinations in Kerala.
According to government officials, the Tuk Tuk Tour project aims to integrate autorickshaw drivers as agents of responsible tourism. “Autodrivers have immense local connections. Through this project, we hope to stimulate the local market and create new market opportunities in the tourism sector by bringing rural life of Kerala to the international level,” said an officer.
As per the details, the project will be implemented on a pilot basis in Wayanad. “Specially trained auto drivers will be deployed at tourist spots in every panchayat. The selected autos will have a QR code and the logo of the tourism department. By scanning the QR code, one can get information about tourist attractions in the area. The name and phone number of these auto drivers will be included on the tourism department’s official website. Tourists can contact them by phone and the auto-rickshaw will arrive at the place mentioned by the tourist,” the official note said.
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