APT (Association of Professionals in Tourism)
APT was founded in 2005 by a small group of Trivandrum tour operators primarily as a platform for interaction amongst the people working in various tour companies of the region through informal get togethers, fam tours, recreational activities etc. Later these founding members recognized the need for a unified voice to protect the kerala tourism, as well as to represent the interests of tour operators. In July 2005, with a strength of 50 members, APT got registered (REG NO T 2658/2005) under societies Act 1955 and was officially inaugurated on 22 Oct 05 by Capt. Krishnan Nair ( Chairman - Leela Hotels) , in the presence of Mr. E. K Bharat Bhushan ( Then Secretary of Tourism) , Mr. Pandalam Sudhakaran ( Then Chairman KTDC) , Mr. E M Najeeb ( CMD ATE group), Mr. Ravishankar K V ( Editor and the entire tourism fraternity of kerala, truly a mega event followed by a grand cultural extravaganza .
Since then APT has come a longway, making its presence felt in keralas hospitality industry and carving a niche for itself. APT has been involved in all major events be in marathons, environmental conservation activities, industry meets, fam trips etc. APT, since 2006 has been organising BODYLINE annual cricket extravaganza for the players of the hospitality industry, which was come the first initiative of its kind in the region, where one could see hotels fighting it out amongst each other, for a change, not for business however.
APT is guided in all steps by its Advisory Committee comprising of 4 pioneers of the kerala tourism industry. No introductions required for Mr. E. M Najeeb ( CMD ATE group), ) Mr. Peter Paul ( Executive Director- Thomas Holidays and Resorts), Mr. Ravi Shankar ( Editor Director- Tourism India) & Mr. Rajagopal Iyer ( Corporate Director - UDS). Their vast experience and knowledge is the guiding light and driving force, for which helped APT scale greater heights.
APT now could proudly boast of membership strength close to 100 and is taking a giant leap forward by organizing a handful of mega events on behalf of Dept of Tourism, for the benefit of Kerala Tourism as a whole.
APT members number among the top names in tourism industry and represent the entire spectrum oftour operators of the region. And is pledged to encourage and maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and service
The Office bearers
- President : Sanjeev Kumar ( Voyages Kerala)
- Secretary : Hari Kumar ( le passage to india)
- Treasurer : Vijay T.G ( Great India Tour Company)
