Ensuring Basic Amenities for Drivers in Hotels: Tourism Minister | Thiruvananthapuram News – Times of India

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Thiruvananthapuram: Tourism minister P A Mohamed Riyas has said that necessary steps will be taken to ensure basic amenities for drivers in hotels, resorts and homestays in a labour-friendly initiative in the tourism sector.
Speaking at a meeting of taxi and autorickshaw unions and travel and tour operators’ associations here on Wednesday, he said that hotels, resorts and homestays must ensure that basic facilities are provided to drivers coming with guests.
Kerala will set an example for the entire country in the tourism sector with this initiative, minister said.
“We can’t ignore the immense contributions of workers including drivers in the tourism sector. It is a humane gesture that two rooms are exclusively set up for drivers at these properties apart from the staff rooms,” he noted.
Drivers, who are the brand ambassadors of Kerala tourism, face various problems, which need to be addressed, he said.
Riyas said the department of tourism is planning to host zonal-wise awareness campaigns and orientation programmes for drivers, besides issuing specific ID cards for them to facilitate their stay at tourism destinations.
Government would explore the possibility of including a clause in the hotel classification norms to ensure basic facilities for drivers in hotels and homestays including rooms, washrooms and toilets, he said.
“Creating an app on roads is also under consideration for drivers to make their trips hassle-free. Besides, there are plans to set up comfort stations at 153 government rest houses across the state,” Riyas added.
Tourism secretary Biju K said these facilities should be implemented at the earliest.
Representatives of Kerala state tourist package drivers and workers union, Kerala travel mart society, Kerala taxi and autorickshaw union, and travel and tour operators attended the meeting.
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