Tourism resort employs localites to run its business

Bangalore, July 17 (UNI) Wilderness Tourism resort, Cicada-Kabini, has come forward to employ localites to man it in a bid to retain forest eco system and improve their standard of living.

The resort, promoted by Tiger Ramesh, had drafted 50 people from the local village and surrounding areas of Kabini and provided them necessary training under a tie-up with the Bangalore-based Christ College's Department of Hotel Management.

The raw villagers, who were tuned more to living in forests, were trained in areas such as housekeeping, food and beverage production and service. besides customer service, grooming and hygiene, according to a company release here.

''Eco tourism must result in responsible travel to wilderness locations without exploiting it and in the process ensure that the local community and the local economy develops. The local community must be involved in the programme so that their development will ensure further production and conservation of wilderness locations,'' the release said, quoting Mr Ramesh.

Stating that the company was keen on improving the standard of living of the locals, he said such training programmes were one of the methods adopted by Cicada as part of its efforts. Those trained included garderners, drivers, naturalists and guards. They were given an indepth understanding of how a resort functioned.

Cicada General Manager (Operations) Indu said the training had boosted the morale of the local community as they felt that the Company had faith in their capabilities and was willing to invest in them.

UNI VK RG SKB1610