About Us
Our Story
Riya Institute was established in 2007 under the guidance of Chairman & Managing Director, Mr GMJ Thampy. His vision for the institute was to fulfil the rising demand for internationally skilled professionals in the travel and tourism industry.
Riya Institute has 18+ years of experience with a well-trained faculty comprising travel industry veterans. It is the ideal choice for aspirants interested in joining the travel and tourism industry. Our programs not only cater to undergraduates but to anyone who wants to upskill or has a keen interest in travel.
2007
Establishment of Riya Institute, Kochi, marking the beginning of our mission to redefine travel and hospitality education.
2021
Launch of Riya Institute, Mumbai with the flagship Global Tourism Management course, setting new benchmarks in professional training.
2024
A proud milestone: 15+ batches launched in our flagship program with 350+ successful student placements across leading travel and tourism companies.
2025
With a vision to empower the next generation of travel experts, we expanded our footprint to Navi Mumbai and Pune, bringing world-class tourism education closer to aspiring students.
Our Mission
To skill the travel leaders of tomorrow.
Our Vision
To be the leading global institution in travel and tourism education, dedicated to developing skilled professionals who will advance the industry’s future.
Why Choose Us?
We’re powered by 43+ years of Riya Group’s travel legacy!
With decades of experience and strong global partnerships, we know the industry inside out. Thousands have started their travel careers with us, and we're here to help you do the same.
On-The-Job
Training
Flexible Learning
Online & offline options
Fast-Track Course
Complete in 6 to 12 months
100% Placement
Support provided*
Administration & Leadership
Meet the Management Team of Riya Group
Mr GMJ Thampy
CMD Riya Group
Mr. Thomas Mathai
Director
Mr Nitin John
Vice Chairman
Dr. Prasanth Nair
Angel Investor & Educator
Mr Manoj Samuel
CEO & Managing Director - Riya Travel & Tours
Mrs Mansi Nanoti
Head of Riya Institute
Our Team
Mr Nizel Dsouza
Academic Head
Mr Nizel Dsouza
Academic Head
A versatile professional, he excels in aviation training, customer service, team handling, and sales. Nizel is a motivational force, consistently inspiring his team to do better with his upbeat and positive attitude.
Ms Sharada Bhat
Placement Head
Ms Sharada Bhat
Placement Head
With over 22 years of experience in travel and education, she is a passionate and dynamic tourism trainer known for her warm, engaging style and ability to build genuine rapport with students. She is committed to mentoring them and helping secure diverse job opportunities.
Ms Megha Bhatt
Senior Trainer
Ms Megha Bhatt
Senior Trainer
A dynamic professional with over 19 years of experience in hospitality and tourism, she specialises in soft skills training and industry exposure to prepare students for successful careers.
Ms Rincy Rajan
Senior Trainer
Ms Rincy Rajan
Senior Trainer
With over eight years of experience, she combines strong operational skills and an empathetic approach to connect with students. Her training delivers valuable industry insights, and she is passionate about mentoring young professionals.
Ms Tejaswi Sawant
Senior Counsellor & administration
Ms Tejaswi Sawant
Senior Counsellor & administration
Our enthusiastic senior counsellor is dedicated to guiding students toward rewarding careers in travel and tourism. She ensures that every step of their academic journey is as exciting as the destinations they will explore in the future.
Ms Neha Kamble
Senior Counsellor & Student Support
Ms Neha Kamble
Senior Counsellor & Student Support
A highly skilled senior counsellor in the travel and tourism industry, with extensive experience in leading travel companies and corporate travel. She specialises in business development, management coordination, and creating strategies that drive growth and enhance customer experiences.
Ms Akshata Naik
Senior Counsellor
Ms Akshata Naik
Senior Counsellor
Akshata brings a wealth of sales expertise and strong negotiation skills to the table. A motivated team player, she excels in positively addressing and guiding students who aspire to build successful careers in the travel industry.