BRIEF HISTORY

Department of Tourism Administration was established in the year 2002 with Master of Tourism Administration (MTA); a four-semester post-graduate self-financing course affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University Kottayam. The department is located in the ground floor of the main college building with separate department library and computer lab. The department had its humble beginning under the supervision of commerce department of the college. In the year 2004 the department achieved an independent status.

TEACHING FACULTY

Former Faculty of the Department

1. Mr.Toney K Thomas
2. Mr.Lijo T Thomas
3. Miss.Divya Charles
4. Mr.Binoy T.A.
5. Miss. Ronia Kuruvilla, M.Com

Present Faculty of the Department

1. Adv. Siljo C.J, M.Phil.,M.T.M., L.L.B.,P.G.D.H.T.M(Lecturer)
2. Mr. Jill Joseph, M.C.A (Guest Lecturer)
3. Smt.Asha Mathew. M.Com
4. Mr. Geevarghese, M.A., M. Phil (Guest Lecturer)
5. Mr. Joy Thomas,M.A French (Guest Lecturer)

Visiting Faculty Profile

1. Mr.K.M.Unnikrshnan, Retd. Commercial Manager-Indian Airlines, Banglore
2. Mr.Srikanth Manikoth,Gen. Manager- Rivera Suites -Kochi
3. Mr.Dileep Kumar P.J,Account Director -Le-Meridian-Kochi
4. Mr.Biji Eapen, Director Speed Wings Academy of Aviation-Kochi

PROGRAMMES OFFERED

Courses :
Master of Tourism Administration ( MTA)
Master of Tourism Administration is a four-semester long post-graduate course. The curriculum and the scheme of this course have been specially designed to meet the demanding needs of tourism and allied industries such as Airlines, Hotels, Travel Agencies, Tour Operating companies, Cruise Ships, NGOs and other development bodies. It is a congruous blend of theory and practice, broadening the conceptual and analytical skills of the students, so that trained students can immediately take up positions in Tourism departments both in the private and the public sectors.

Add on Programmes :
In addition to the course curriculum the department arranges add on courses such as IATA/UFTAA (Foundation and consultant level), IATA/FIATA (Cargo and Air Port handling) and Communicative French(Alliance Franc,aise) certificate course and diplomas signed by the French Ambassador to India). Apart from the course curriculum the department facilitates add on programmes in Aviation and Accommodation sector through in House Aviation Academy, Palarivattom Cochin.

Eligibility :
Candidate seeking admission for MTA course should posses either a Bachelors Degree from Mahatma Gandhi University or a degree recognized as equivalent thereto with minimum 55% marks in aggregate in part III subjects for science and 45% marks in aggregate in part III for non-science subjects or a degree in engineering with not less than 50% marks in aggregate. For SCIST/OBC and other categories, relaxation in minimum marks for admission and reservation of places will be allowed as per existing norms.

Student Strength : 20 students per batch

Learning Resources :
Department has a separate library, with 862-books along with a reasonable collection of dissertations, project and training reports. It also houses a good collection of CD'S -brochures, magazine, maps and a globe. The computer lab is equipped with nine computers with Internet connectivity. The department is also having an independent telephone connection, intercom facility, one scanner, web cam and an overhead projector.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

Special Achievements :

1. Conducted state level seminar on ' Sustainable Tourism'
2. Organized tour packages for the participants of national softball, volleyball and cross-country competitions held in the college
3. Mr.Vineed Mathew of first year MTA selected as "Best Manager' competition organized by Bharat Mata College, Thrikkakkara
4. Some students were selected to guide the foreign students from UK who visited Kochi as a part of their study.
5. Many students are selected as volunteers for many events organized by Deva Hospitality, Le Meridien and Marvel Tours, Kochi.

Extension Programmes :

Department has collaboration with Speed Wings Academy of Aviation; Alliance Franchise; and English Chamber, Muvattupuzha for conducting various add- on courses. Department works in close association with DTPC for the effective functioning of 'Tourism Club' in the college.

Published Papers :

Mr. Joy Thomas has published a book on communicative French.

Faculty Development Programme:

1. Mr. Siljo.C.J has completed 'PGDHTM' from CUSAT; attended and presented a paper in national seminar on Heritage Tourism.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Extra curricular Activities:

1. Mr.Siljo. C.J. is  the teacher in charge of the Tourism club

2. Mr.Siljo. C.J., and Mr.Jilmon Joseph are involved in the updating of college Web Site.

Participation in academic and other bodies :

Mr. Siljo.C.J are appointed as delegates of Capacity Building for Service Providers in Tourism Scheme, Dept. of Tourism, Govt. of India.

Mr.  Siljo.C.J. are appointed as visiting faculty for Tourism studies in various colleges. All teachers of the department are appointed as members of P.G. board of examinations

Mr.  Siljo. C.J prepared study materials for BA Tourism-M.G. University Kottayam.

ACTIVITIES

2006-2007

The Department celebrated World Tourism Day on 27^th September. Mr. Santhosh George Kulangara, Managing Director, Labour India Publications inaugurated the function. A seminar on “Contemporary Tourism”  and a photo exhibition on the same topic by Mr.Joshi Manjummal were conducted. The department staff and students attended national seminar on Ethnic Tourism conducted by Kerala Institute of Travel and Tourism Studies on 9,10,11 of February 2007. Staff members provided orientation class for museum staff of Hill Palace Thripunithura on heritage aspects.

2007-2008

The Tourism Club under the Dept.conducted a seminar on Role of Women in Tourism Development, a theme based on WTO's World Tourism Day. Dr.Jenee Peter, was the resource person.

2008-2009

The Department arranged a one day seminar cum presentation on the topic " Emerging Tourism Trends & Courses on 4th February 2009. Mr.Sunil K.Zacharian, Managing Director-Futuristic Process Solutions Ltd, was the chief resource person. World Tourism Day of 2008 was celebrated with the tribal community of Chinnaparakudy, Adimali-Idukki District.