Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS), functioning under the State Department of Tourism, has received the prestigious UN Tourism TedQual certification for its MBA in Travel and Tourism programme, marking an important recognition of Kerala's efforts to strengthen tourism education and professional training.

The TedQual certification is an international academic accreditation framework established by UN Tourism to promote quality standards in tourism education, training and research. The recognition acknowledges the quality of the MBA programme offered by KITTS and highlights the state's commitment to developing skilled professionals for the tourism industry.

Tourism Minister P. C. Vishnunadh, who also serves as Chairman of KITTS, said the international recognition reflects the importance Kerala accords to travel and tourism education and underscores the high quality of the academic programme offered by the institute.

He noted that the achievement is particularly significant as the Tourism Department is working on a project to elevate KITTS into a Centre of Excellence. The proposed initiative is aimed at further strengthening tourism education, research and professional training in the state.

The certification was formally presented by Minister P. C. Vishnunadh to Tourism Secretary K. Biju, who is also the Vice-Chairman of KITTS, during the Kerala Travel Mart 2026 held recently in Kochi.

The presentation ceremony was attended by Tourism Director Anjana M., Tourism Additional Director (General) Sumit Kumar Thakur, KITTS Director and Principal Dr. B. Rajendran, Administrative Officer Pradeep Manohar and Associate Professor Dr. Harikrishnan P. K.

The international accreditation is expected to further enhance KITTS' academic profile and support Kerala's broader efforts to develop a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving requirements of the travel and tourism sector.