Intersight Group is launching a novel project called Sarathi Sauhridam (Friendly Driver) as part of the Responsible Tourism project in Kerala. The project seeks to empower drivers as cab owners and guides, besides promoting entrepreneurship and generating employment in the tourism industry.

The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Independent-Charge), Prof K.V. Thomas, will launch the project here at a function to be presided over by the State Tourism Minister, Mr A.P. Anilkumar. Under the project, the Intersight Group will help 100 drivers own a car each. They will be given special training to work as professional guides and also as responsible hosts.

In the first phase, 10 drivers belonging to the weaker sections of the society have been selected. The cab driver is one of the most important cogs in the wheel of tourism industry. The quality and sincerity of driver has a linearly progressive impact on the growth of tourism, says Mr Abraham George, Managing Director, Intersight Group.

Mr George is the President of the Confederation of Accredited Tour Operators of Kerala and Chairman of the Kerala Chapter of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India. “We will buy the new cars on our own and lease them to the 100 drivers selected from among the poorer sections of the society,” he said.

According to the specifics of the scheme, Intersight will pay up front the initial 25 per cent to procure the cars and leave them at the disposal of the drivers to run the trips. It is up to the latter to run the service and save enough money that will go to meet the prescribed monthly EMI.

After three years, the ownership will be transferred in their names without any financial liabilities. According to Mr George, this is a model to promote entrepreneurship, besides generating employment.

Being dovetailed with ongoing projects of responsible tourism, Sarathi Sauhrudam will be launched at Kovalam, Kumarakom, Thekkady and Wayanad. These are places assigned by the Department of Tourism for implementing its Responsible Tourism initiative.

The drivers will be given professional training in basic hospitality management, interpersonal skills and destination information. Quality of service is of utmost importance for the growth of any tourism product, Mr George said.

The Hindu Business Line