On A Mission To Save The Prime Beach Destination

Raja Gopaal Iyer, in his second stint at UDS as CEO, is focused on creating Kovalam 2.0, riding on his vast experience

One day he turns a scuba diver spreading the message of protecting the ocean at Kovalam. On another day, he is seen travelling on a JCB clearing all the garbage at the tourism destination. Yet another occasion makes him the good samaritan organising a unique event wherein dozens of physically-challenged kids are initiated to the waves at Shangumugham beach.

Meet Raja Gopaal Iyer who, in his second stint at UDS as CEO, is focused on creating Kovalam 2.0. Riding on his vast experience – of more than three decades – in the hospitality industry, Iyer has tweaked CSR initiatives of UDS giving them a destination promotion angle. Incorporating like-minded people and organisations, Iyer has launched Beach and Marine Environment Protection Club (BMEPC) to promote the campaign #OceanLove to spread awareness against marine pollution and global warming.

“Being a prominent hospitality brand in Kovalam, I felt that we are hardly doing anything as far as conservation of the destination is concerned. In fact, the destination is dying gradually due to various reasons. Nothing unique happens here. Hence, with the whole-hearted support from the management as well as the staff, we have decided to create concepts that can make Kovalam more dynamic,” says Iyer.