States » SouthPosted at: Oct 1 2026 6:29AM


Kerala launches government-sector workation initiative at Gavi, Suryanelli

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 1 (UNI) Kerala has for the first time introduced the workation concept in the government sector, with facilities enabling people to work while staying at tourist destinations such as Gavi and Suryanelli, Chief Minister V D Satheesan has said.
Inaugurating SHOLA (Seek-Hike-Observe-Lodge-Absorb), a new workation brand of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC), Satheesan said the initiative would allow people to combine work with stays in nature-oriented tourist destinations.
He also inaugurated five other initiatives launched by the KFDC as part of efforts to develop new tourism products and promote sustainable tourism.
The Chief Minister launched ‘Aathma’, a new brand for marketing tea and coffee produced from KFDC plantations. Forest and Wildlife Minister Shibu Baby John handed over the first sale of Aathma tea and coffee to the Chief Minister.
Satheesan also inaugurated the construction of a premium pod-stay project at Vagamon. The construction of four pods is scheduled to be completed by December.
The ‘Travel Today, Pay Tomorrow’ scheme, enabling tourists to undertake trips through an instalment-based payment facility, and an Eco Guide training programme aimed at improving the quality of nature interpretation were also launched.
Satheesan said Kerala's biodiversity was of world-class quality and stressed the need to recognise and preserve the uniqueness of the State's natural wealth.
The new initiatives of the Forest Department could offer tourists distinctive experiences while creating opportunities for tourism-led development without harming ecosystems, he said.
The temporary pod accommodation facilities proposed at ecotourism destinations were particularly suited to Kerala's conditions, the Chief Minister said, adding that the State should develop more distinctive tourism products through greater value addition.
Forest and Wildlife Minister Shibu Baby John, who presided over the function, said the government would focus on value addition to forest products.
Sandalwood obtained from trees owned by the KFDC would be marketed under the brand ‘Kalabham’, he said.
The Minister said tourist visits to forest-fringe areas had increased substantially and the new initiatives were being launched as part of the ‘Premium Biodiversity Experience’ vision to tap this potential and make tourism a component of sustainable socio-economic development.
Forest and Wildlife Department Secretary K Biju welcomed the gathering. Najeeb Kanthapuram MLA, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Rajesh Ravindran and KFDC Managing Director Raju K Francis, among others, attended the function held here on Wednesday.
UNI DS
Tags: #Kerala launches government-sector workation initiative at Gavi# Suryanelli
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