Travel and tourism represent one of the world’s largest industries, generating millions of jobs directly and indirectly across various service sectors. This includes government tourism offices, immigration and customs services, travel agencies, airlines, tour operators, and hotels. Providing quality tourism education is essential to further strengthen this industry, and the role of experienced leaders is even more critical in shaping the next generation of professionals. Dr. Dileep M. R., Director of the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS), is one such leader, guiding KITTS as it continues to stand out as a pioneer in tourism education.
A Global Perspective in Tourism Education
With over 20 years of diverse experience in India and abroad, Dr. Dileep M R has held pivotal roles, before joining KITTS, including serving as the Vice Principal at Pazhassiraja College. His career also spans an impactful tenure in the Sultanate of Oman, where he served as a faculty member and subject coordinator. Selected by Oman’s Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), he spent seven years teaching at Muscat’s CAS Ibri and Salalah. Upon returning to Pazhassiraja College, he further contributed as IQAC Coordinator and Vice Principal.
Dr. Dileep’s research contributions are widely recognized, with numerous publications in international journals, travel magazines, and newspapers. Being a prolific writer, he wrote ten books at the national and international levels. His expertise was also sought after for the panel that developed the Encyclopedia of Tourism, published by Springer, New York. In recognition of his extensive academic contributions, he was appointed as the Director of the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS) by the Government of Kerala, where he continues to guide KITTS in its mission.
KITTS in a Nutshell
The Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS), founded by the Kerala State Government in 1988, exemplifies the state’s foresight in addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in the rapidly expanding tourism sector. Committed to societal advancement, KITTS actively seeks to identify employment opportunities within tourism, developing specialized courses and training programs that equip students with industry-relevant skills.
KITTS stands as a leader in tourism education, offering an immersive, student-centered learning approach that goes beyond traditional classroom methods. Through experiential learning, students gain hands-on experience in event management and leadership development, managing events up to five times annually, which allows them to refine and demonstrate their practical skills. The institute’s robust industry partnerships further enrich students’ education by providing insights directly from professionals in the field. Additionally, KITTS supports students’ career growth by offering part-time work opportunities alongside their studies, promoting a well-rounded and professionally oriented educational experience.
Navigating Challenges
In an insightful conversation with Dr. Dileep, Director of KITTS, he offered a real-world perspective on the significant challenges facing the tourism education sector and shared his approach to addressing them. Dr. Dileep emphasized the delicate balance required between meeting traditional university course requirements and enhancing industry-specific skills in travel and tourism. He explained, “We need to balance the traditional university course completion requirements with the need for skill enhancement in the travel and tourism industry.” To tackle this, Dr. Dileep shared that they meticulously prepare a schedule in advance, outlining strategies for skill development and knowledge acquisition.
Dr. Dileep also highlighted various challenges, including socio-economic, student-related, and faculty-related issues. Acknowledging the critical role of faculty members in staying current with industry trends, Dr. Dileep underscored the importance of supporting faculty in this endeavor. He stressed that careful planning and implementation of these strategies are essential to ensuring the institute’s success and delivering quality education that meets industry standards.
Leading the Way
Dr. Dileep reflects on the evolution of tourism education since he completed his post-graduation in the field over two and a half decades ago. At that time, only six universities in India, alongside IITTM and KITTS, offered courses in travel and tourism. Today, this number has expanded to over 200 universities and institutes, complemented by a growing network of hospitality institutions. However, Dr. Dileep notes that persistent challenges—such as limited industry interaction, inadequate skill development, outdated syllabi, and low salary structures—continue to impact the industry. Despite these hurdles, he envisions KITTS leading the way, establishing new standards and positioning itself at the forefront of travel and tourism education in India.
A Journey of Lifelong Learning
When asked about his interests outside his professional responsibilities, Dr. Dileep admitted that his role as the Director of KITTS leaves him little time for hobbies. However, he remains deeply committed to his passion for writing. This dedication has resulted in the publication of 10 books, with his most recent three being released by international publishers—two from London and New York and one from Switzerland.
Among his most popular works are Transportation Systems for Tourism, co-authored with renowned Italian writer Francesca Pagliara; Air Transport and Tourism, created in collaboration with Ajesh Kurien, an aviation professional; and Tourism, Transport and Travel Management published by Routledge, UK.
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal interests like reading and writing is challenging, he admits. However, he finds comfort in music, particularly film songs. Dr. Dileep emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, especially as an academician, and believes that nurturing a daily passion for learning ultimately inspires and benefits students, helping them to excel.
