KITTS

What KITTS does

Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS) is a Government of Kerala educational institution established in 1988 and operated under the Department of Tourism. Headquartered in a historic 1815 Residency Bungalow on a 5.5-acre campus in Thiruvananthapuram, with study centres in Thalassery and Malayattoor, KITTS delivers specialized education in tourism, travel, hospitality, and management through degree programs (MBA in Travel & Tourism, MTTM, BBA, B.Com), PG Diplomas (Tourism & Hospitality Management, Digital Marketing, Public Relations in Tourism), advanced diplomas (Wellness Tourism, Aviation & Tourism, Airport Operations, Logistics Management), IATA-certified courses, and short certificate programs. The institute operates an RFID-enabled Learning Resource Centre, an automated online test centre, a computer lab with Global Distribution Systems (GDS) training infrastructure, and a 20-station language lab.

KITTS earns revenue primarily through student tuition fees (Rs. 16,000–45,000 per semester depending on program), supplemented by management quota seat fees (Rs. 50,000 one-time), government training contracts with the Department of Tourism, KASE, ASAP and allied agencies, research and consultancy commissions (carrying capacity studies, destination development, feasibility projects for State Planning Board and IRCTC), and journal publications (Indian Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management; Kerala Tourism Insights). Its customer base is structurally bifurcated: undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled via Kerala University centralized admissions and direct management quota, plus working professionals in certificate and diploma tracks.

The institute's strategic positioning rests on multi-layer regulatory accreditation (AICTE, University of Kerala affiliation, UGC recognition, ISO 9001, UN Tourism affiliate membership since 2005), a documented 90%+ placement rate with recruiters including IndiGo, Taj, Hyatt, Hilton, Thomas Cook, and KUONI, and a 2024 strategic MoU with Digital University Kerala to introduce technology-integrated programs spanning AI, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, and Digital Marketing. Operational leadership comprises a Director (Dr. Dileep M. R.), Principal (Dr. B. Rajendran), and three Heads of Department covering Management, Tourism, and Commerce, supported by a 39-employee organization with no external investors or VC funding.

Name

KITTS

Legal name

Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies

Website

https://kittsedu.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

KITTS (Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies) is a Government of Kerala educational institution offering degree, diploma, and certificate programs in tourism, travel, hospitality, and management, serving students, working professionals, and government agencies from its Thiruvananthapuram headquarters.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Thiruvananthapuram

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Course Fees: Primary revenue from student tuition across multiple programs including MBA (Rs. 45,000/semester), MTTM (Rs. 32,000/semester), BBA/B.Com (Rs. 16,000/semester), and various diploma/certificate programs with varying fee structures.
2. Government Training Programs: Revenue from conducting training programs for Government of Kerala agencies including Department of Tourism, KASE (Kerala Academy of Skill Excellence), ASAP (Additional Skill Acquisition Programme), and various other government departments.
3. Research and Consultancy: Revenue from consultancy projects including carrying capacity studies, safety audits, destination development reports, and evaluation studies commissioned by government agencies like Department of Tourism Kerala, Forest Department, and National coastal management bodies.
4. Journal Publications: Revenue from publishing Indian Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management (bi-annual peer-reviewed journal) and Kerala Tourism Insights (quarterly news journal), both ISSN recognized publications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

KITTS is a state-government educational institute that delivers degree, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs in tourism, travel, hospitality, and management. It also conducts paid government training programs, tourism research and consultancy, and publishes peer-reviewed journals. Programs are offered through direct on-campus study at Thiruvananthapuram and regional study centres, supplemented by select online/hybrid options for working professionals.

Product overview

KITTS (Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies) is an educational institute offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programmes in tourism, travel, hospitality, and management. The portfolio architecture consists of: Core Degree Programmes (MBA in Travel & Tourism, MTTM, BBA in Tourism Management, B.Com in Commerce & Tourism and Travel Management) forming the primary undergraduate and postgraduate offerings; PG Diploma Programmes (Tourism & Hospitality Management, Digital Marketing, Public Relations in Tourism) providing specialized professional qualifications; Advanced Diplomas (Wellness Tourism, Tourism Management, Aviation & Tourism, Airport Operations, Logistics Management, Tourism Entrepreneurship, Multi-Skilled Hospitality Executive) offering industry-specific vocational training; Certificate Programmes (Adventure Activity Assistant/Supervisor, Nature Interpreter, IATA programmes in Airport Operations and Travel/Tourism with Amadeus GDS) for specialized skill certification; and Research Programmes (PhD guidance and journal publications including Indian Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management and Kerala Tourism Insights news journal). The institute operates from its headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram with study centres in Thalassery and Malayattoor.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MBA (Travel & Tourism) Two-year full-time AICTE-approved MBA programme integrating management studies with travel, tourism and hospitality industry applications. Specializations available in Travel and Tour Operations, Hospitality, or Systems. Includes add-on international certificates in German and French. Targeted at graduate students seeking management careers in tourism.
• Master of Tourism and Travel Management (MTTM) Two-year postgraduate programme affiliated to University of Kerala providing comprehensive education in tourism and travel management with practical skills in tourism and hospitality industry components. Targeted at graduates seeking careers in tourism and travel management.
• FYUGP Business Management (BBA) Four-year undergraduate degree programme under University of Kerala focusing on Tourism Management, preparing students with specialized knowledge and skills for the travel, tourism and hospitality sector. Targeted at 10+2 graduates seeking professional management education with tourism specialization.
• FYUGP B.Com in Commerce & Tourism and Travel Management Four-year undergraduate programme covering foundational aspects of commerce, finance, management and specialized modules in tourism and travel including accounting, financial management and sustainable tourism practices. Targeted at 10+2 graduates seeking commerce education with tourism specialization.
• Post Graduate Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management (PGDTHM) One-year PG diploma (two semesters) with two months internship, preparing students for tourism and hospitality sector employment with practical management skills and ethical, sustainable business culture. Targeted at graduates seeking professional entry roles in tourism and hospitality.
• Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Marketing (PGDDM) Ten-month classroom programme plus two-month internship covering web analytics, social media tools, search engine optimization, mobile marketing, email marketing, content marketing and video marketing. Targeted at graduates and working professionals seeking digital marketing skills.
• Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations in Tourism (PGDPRT) Two-semester programme (10 months + 2 months internship) preparing students to effectively communicate and connect tourism organisations with the public, covering tourism management, public relations, communication and marketing. Targeted at graduates seeking PR careers in tourism.
• Advanced Diploma in Wellness Tourism and Hospitality (ADWTH) Nine-month programme (6 months classroom teaching + 3 months internship) focusing on wellness tourism sector combining tourism and hospitality with wellness services. Targeted at students and wellness professionals seeking specialised qualifications.
• Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management (ADTM) Nine-month online/hybrid course for working professionals covering fundamentals of tourism and sustainable development with no age bar. Targeted at working professionals seeking flexible upskilling in tourism management.
• Diploma in Tourism Entrepreneurship (DTE) Six-month online course designed to impart knowledge and develop skills for starting tourism-related businesses. Targeted at aspiring tourism entrepreneurs and small business owners.
• Diploma in Multi-Skilled Hospitality Executive (DMSHE) Six-month programme (4 months classes/training + 2 months internship) for female students focusing on front office, housekeeping and F&B service multi-skilling. Scholarship available for SC/ST and OBC categories. Targeted at female students seeking hospitality careers.
• Diploma in Aviation & Tourism Management (DATM) Six-month programme (3 months classroom + 3 months internship) offered at Thalassery Study Centre preparing students for aviation and tourism sector integration. Targeted at students in Thalassery region seeking aviation and tourism careers.
• Diploma in Airport Operations (DAO) Six-month programme covering airport infrastructure, airside/terminal operations, airport safety, security, fire fighting and rescue operations. Offered at multiple centres. Targeted at students seeking airport operations careers.
• Diploma in Logistics Management (DLM) Programme covering supply chain management, packaging, transportation (air/sea/trucking), warehousing, materials handling and inventory management controls. Targeted at students and professionals seeking logistics and supply chain careers.
• Certificate in Adventure Activity Assistant (CAAA) Seven-day certificate course offered jointly by KATPS and KITTS for adventure tourism, including food and accommodation. Targeted at aspiring adventure tourism assistants.
• Certificate in Adventure Activity Supervisor (CAAS) Eight-day certificate course for adventure activity supervision including food and accommodation. Targeted at aspiring adventure activity supervisors.
• Certificate in Nature Interpreter (CNI) Certificate programme for nature interpretation and ecological education. Targeted at aspiring nature guides and conservation educators.
• IATA - Airport Operations Four-month IATA-certified programme in airport operations with industry-standard curriculum. Targeted at students and working professionals seeking IATA certification in airport operations.
• Foundation in Travel and Tourism with Amadeus Six-month IATA-certified foundation programme with Amadeus GDS training for travel and tourism industry preparation. Targeted at students seeking entry into travel agency/tour operator roles with GDS skills.
• PhD Research Programme Research guidance for Ph.D. scholars in Tourism Management and Management offered in association with Institute of Management in Kerala (IMK), University of Kerala. Targeted at doctoral candidates pursuing advanced research in tourism.
• Indian Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management Bi-annual peer-reviewed journal approved by University of Kerala, published by KITTS, disseminating knowledge in Travel, Tourism, Hospitality Management and allied areas. ISSN-recognized international journal. Targeted at tourism researchers, academics, and industry professionals.
• Kerala Tourism Insights Official quarterly tourism news journal launched in June 2024 documenting and analysing key developments in Kerala's tourism sector with contributions from government leaders, tourism professionals, researchers and students. Targeted at Kerala tourism industry stakeholders and researchers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 90% placement rate for MBA students through campus recruitment
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• Digital University Kerala (DUK)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2024MoU signed on 24th October 2024 marking a major step toward introducing innovative, technology-integrated programmes in tourism and hospitality. Partnership aims to empower students, industry professionals, and government officials with future-ready skills including AI, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, and Tourism Management Systems. Aligns with Government of Kerala's mission to upgrade KITTS in line with global academic and industry standards.
• Kerala Knowledge Economy MissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic collaboration to provide comprehensive pre-placement training for students, enhancing employability skills including effective communication, job readiness, professional dressing, image management, and workplace etiquette.
• M/s Mahindra PridecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for pre-placement training initiative designed to enhance wide range of employability skills including professional development and workplace etiquette.
• UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO)strategicOthersAffiliate member of UN Tourism with access to all UN Tourism publications electronically. KITTS became member of depository library of UN Tourism in 2005. UN Tourism publications available in KITTS to help students update knowledge in tourism worldwide.
• Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint initiative with Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala to conduct Adventure Activity Assistant Course. KATPS and KITTS jointly invite applications and conduct the training program.
• University of KeralacoreOthersKITTS is affiliated to University of Kerala for various degree and diploma programs. The institution follows university curriculum and examinations.
• All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)coreOthersMBA (Travel & Tourism) program is approved by AICTE. Other programs also operate under AICTE guidelines for technical education institutions.
• Department of Tourism, Govt. of KeralacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmpanelled as consultant in tourism sector by State Planning Board. Conducted multiple research studies including Carrying Capacity Studies, Sustainable Development Practices evaluation, and destination development reports. Also conducts training programs for department personnel.
• National Centre for Sustainable Coastal ManagementminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducted Detailed Project Report for Documentation and Conservation of Cultural Identities, Traditional Rituals, Arts, Folks, Heritage Sites from Thaikadappuram to Kadalundi in Kerala in 2019.
• Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducted 'Study on Railbound Tourist to Kerala' for IRCTC South Zone, Chennai in 2008.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL): Globally recognized Swiss hospitality management school offering undergraduate and graduate hospitality programs. Establishes the global benchmark for hospitality education against which Indian institutes like KITTS are positioned by employers and students.
• Les Roches International School of Hotel Management: Swiss-based global hospitality school with India operations (partnered with ISH). Serves as a premium international benchmark in hospitality education, indirectly competing with KITTS for high-achieving Indian students willing to pay for global credentials.

Direct peers

• Amity School of Hospitality: Private hospitality and tourism school within Amity University offering BHM, MHM, and MBA programs with extensive marketing reach and a national footprint. Competes directly with KITTS for students seeking hospitality careers via structured degree pathways.
• Indian School of Hospitality (ISH): Private luxury hospitality school in Gurgaon partnered with Les Roches (Switzerland) offering undergraduate and postgraduate hospitality programs. Comparable to KITTS in targeting hospitality/tourism career outcomes but competes via premium positioning and international branding.
• Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training: India's largest air hostess training institute offering aviation, hospitality, and cabin crew certificate programs. Comparable to KITTS' IATA and aviation-focused diploma programs (DATM, DAO) in target student segment and airline placement outcomes.
• Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management: Delhi-based hospitality institute offering degree and diploma programs affiliated with Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Competes with KITTS for the same student demographic seeking hospitality/tourism careers through structured diploma and degree pathways.
• Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA, Manipal): Manipal Academy's hospitality and tourism school offering BHM, MHM, and related programs with strong industry placement networks. Comparable to KITTS in offering specialized hospitality/tourism education with high placement rates, though operating at private-university scale and scope.
• Christ University (Department of Tourism/Hospitality): Deemed university offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in tourism, hospitality, and commerce with strong placement networks. Comparable to KITTS in curriculum scope (BBA/MBA tourism tracks) but operates at larger private-university scale with national recruitment.
• Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) - NCHMCT Network: India's premier hospitality education network of 21+ government Institutes of Hotel Management under NCHMCT. Offers degree, diploma, and craft courses in hospitality, directly competing with KITTS for the same student segments and industry placements in hotels, airlines, and tourism.
• Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM): Central government body under the Ministry of Tourism offering tourism and travel management degree and executive programs across multiple Indian campuses. Most direct comparable to KITTS as a government-affiliated tourism education specialist with a national footprint and similar mandate to build tourism human capital.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC3V-one
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kitts
• Instagraminstagram.com/kittsedu

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KITTS