ABOUT OUR TEAM
The Wayanad Eco Tourism Association (WETA) comprises a team of seasoned professionals renowned in the hospitality industry. With a wealth of experience and expertise, our team is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices in the picturesque region of Wayanad. From seasoned hospitality veterans to eco-conscious enthusiasts, each member brings a unique perspective and passion for preserving Wayanad's natural beauty while providing exceptional experiences for visitors. With a commitment to excellence and a deep-rooted love for the environment, our team at WETA is poised to redefine eco-tourism in Wayanad and beyond
Managing Partron
Mr. Issac is a highly respected figure in the hospitality industry, boasting decades of experience in both hospitality and travel trade. With 14 years of international expertise as General Manager in sales and marketing for airlines and travel companies, Mr. Issac has garnered accolades for his exceptional leadership. During his tenure in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, he propelled his company to be among the top five IATA agents in the region, achieving remarkable success with prominent airlines such as Gulf Air, Air India, Kuwait Airways, Garuda Indonesia, and others. Upon returning to India, Mr. Issac ventured into the hospitality sector, serving as the Managing Director of Western Ghats Resort in Wayanad for 8 years. During this time, he also spearheaded the establishment of Crescent Family Resort and Adithya Nature Resort in Wayanad. Currently, he holds the position of CEO and Co-founder at Gateway Salalah Apartment Hotel in Salalah, Oman. With extensive travel experience spanning 22 countries across Europe, Far East, Africa, and the Middle East, Mr. Issac brings a wealth of knowledge and cultural insight to his roles. Fluent in English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, and his native language, Mr. Issac is a versatile leader with a global perspective.
SECRETARY OF WETA
Introducing Sayouj Prabhakar, a seasoned individual with a rich tapestry of experiences and a vibrant zest for life. At 37, Sayouj hails from the tranquil village of Koothuparamba in Kannur district. His journey began with a pursuit of education, encompassing ITI studies and earning a degree. Sayouj spent three years operating cranes in the Middle East, showcasing his diligence and strong work ethic. Transitioning into electronics, Sayouj honed his skills at renowned establishments like Nikhshan Electronics Kannur, Bismi Electronics, and Sony. After a commendable twelve-year tenure, his proficiency led him to the role of branch manager. Despite facing challenges such as natural disasters and the global COVID-19 pandemic, Sayouj's resilience propelled him forward. A significant milestone in Sayouj's life was the arrival of his two children, marking a pivotal moment in his journey. Fuelled by a passion for hospitality, Sayouj extended warmth to friends and guests, enriching their lives with his generous spirit. Driven by a newfound passion for tourism, Sayouj embarked on a journey of exploration and enlightenment. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of his first hospitality venture, "Nidra Hut," a serene haven nestled amidst nature. Through "Nidra Hut," Sayouj redefines hospitality, offering guests an immersive experience celebrating simplicity and nature's tranquility. Committed to promoting responsible tourism, his vision encompasses sustainability and community engagement, fostering a deeper connection with the environment. In addition to his hospitality venture, Sayouj actively participates in JCI initiatives, serving as a program director and championing causes that uplift his community. Today, Sayouj stands as a beacon of strength and inspiration, seamlessly blending professional acumen with altruistic endeavors to make a meaningful impact on society, one heartfelt gesture at a time.
PRESIDENT OF WETA
A visionary in the tourism industry, he has been instrumental in shaping adventure tourism in Kerala since 2005. His pioneering efforts led to the launch of the International Paragliding Festival in Vagamon in 2006, a milestone in Kerala Tourism’s adventure offerings. Having spent over two decades as a Pravasi in Bangkok, he now calls Wayanad home, where he runs Pugmarks Jungle Resort in Kattikulam—offering guests an immersive experience in nature. His passion for sustainable and experiential tourism continues to drive his work in the sector.
TREASURER OF WETA
Anandaraj A.S is a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. After obtaining his IATA certification as a travel consultant, he underwent extensive training with various airline companies and served as a Senior Air Travel Consultant and Key Account Manager in multiple corporate offices under one of Qatar’s leading corporate travel agencies.
With 20 years of experience in the Gulf, he developed a deep understanding of the travel industry, specializing in corporate travel management and airline consultancy.
During a visit to Wayanad, he discovered a serene location behind the world-famous Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, in a place called Mundakolly. Inspired by the natural beauty and eco-tourism potential of the region, he established Wayanadan Safe Home, a serviced villa that offers travelers a comfortable and authentic stay amidst nature.
Since 2014, Anandaraj has been actively contributing to the travel and tourism sector in Wayanad, transitioning from corporate travel to accommodation and hospitality services. With a decade of experience in this domain, he continues to provide high-quality stays and personalized experiences for visitors to Wayanad, maintaining his passion for the industry in a new and meaningful way.
A visionary leader with a wealth of global experience, Mr. Bebetto Sabu has built a distinguished career spanning technical operations, sales and marketing, and instrumentation and automation engineering. Having worked with leading overseas companies, he has mastered the art of optimizing operations, driving business growth, and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency.
Fueled by an unwavering passion for hospitality, Mr. Bebetto made a seamless transition into the tourism industry, where he now spearheads Coffeepolo Resorts Wayanad—a serene retreat near the breathtaking Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. Under his dynamic leadership, the resort has flourished, offering guests a perfect blend of comfort, nature, and immersive local experiences.
Beyond business, Mr. Bebetto is a dedicated traveler, food connoisseur, and adventure enthusiast. His love for nature exploration not only fuels his personal journeys but also shapes the authentic and memorable experiences he curates for his guests. Fluent in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam, he effortlessly connects with a diverse clientele, bringing a global outlook and warm hospitality to every endeavor.
A Passionate Educator & Hospitality Expert
With over seven years of experience in the hospitality industry, Indu Sugathan has seamlessly blended warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail to create memorable experiences for guests. Her passion for hospitality is deeply rooted in her commitment to making every guest feel welcomed and at home
Indu holds a graduate degree in BA Economics and History, which has enriched her understanding of culture, heritage, and human interactions. Beyond hospitality, she has dedicated 22 years to Abacus teaching, playing a pivotal role in enhancing young minds' cognitive abilities and numerical skills.
Her extensive teaching experience has honed her patience, precision, and ability to connect with people—qualities that reflect in the way she interacts with guests, ensuring a personal and enriching experience for everyone she meets.
a passionate farmer and entrepreneur, has been actively involved in the tourism industry for 17 years. His diverse experience spans agriculture, retail, and hospitality, making him a well-rounded figure in Wayanad’s tourism and business landscape.
As the owner of Banasura Lake View Resort, located near the scenic Banasura Sagar Dam in Kuttiyamvayal, Wayanad, Jaimon offers a unique farm-stay experience with 13 well-appointed rooms, a DJ & conference hall, and immersive activities that connect guests with nature.
Guests at Banasura Lake View Resort can enjoy fishing, farm visits, fruit farm exploration, natural pools, bonfires, and trekking adventures. Beyond tourism, Jaimon is a successful farmer specializing in ginger cultivation and a supermarket owner in Padinharathara, showcasing his strong business acumen and deep-rooted connection with the local economy.
Johny Joseph
Chacko PV
Sevi Kathalakkattil
Suresh P.N
Shaji TV
Akness Hashim
Chacko Pottenpuzha, a respected figure in Padinjarathara, retired as a school teacher in 2017 and ventured into the hospitality industry, recognizing Wayanad’s tourism potential. He founded Tharavad Heritage Villa, celebrating traditional architecture, and earned Airbnb’s Superhost status. In 2024, he launched Clouds Estate Resort Wayanad, an eco-friendly retreat nestled in a coffee plantation. Alongside his ventures, Mr. Chacko has served in various roles within WSS and is spearheading the creation of a library in his hometown, reflecting his commitment to community development and education.
Sevi Kathalakkattil began his professional journey as a faculty member at Devagiri College, Kozhikode, in 1982. His passion for travel and tourism was sparked during a school trip with students, inspiring him to explore the hospitality sector. In 2014, he made a bold decision to take voluntary retirement and move to Wayanad. Determined to build something unique, he acquired 5.5 acres of land near Kurumbalakotta, in a serene area known as Cherumala. He developed the land, constructing a road with eight hairpin bends—a feat that took five years to complete. At the summit of Cherumala, he built Tower Hill, an eco-friendly retreat featuring three well-appointed rooms and a dormitory,
Suresh P.N is a highly motivated and hospitality professional with 8 years of experience in the hospitality industry. His expertise spans hotel operations, guest relations, event planning, and team management, ensuring that guests receive exceptional service and a memorable stay. Skilled in administration and problem-solving, he is dedicated to improving operational efficiency and enhancing guest satisfaction.
Before entering the hospitality industry, Suresh served as a KSRTC driver, He is the owner of Kailasa Stays, located near Kuruva Island In addition to hospitality, Suresh is passionate about agriculture, cultivating various crops in his hometown and managing a flower nursery in Kuruva Island.
Mr. Shaji TV is a seasoned legal professional with over 30 years of experience in law, bringing his expertise in legal matters and compliance. In 2020, he expanded his horizons into the hospitality industry, taking on the role of Manager at Lala Land Farm Resort.
For the past four years, he has been instrumental in shaping the resort’s operations, ensuring a seamless blend of legal integrity, guest satisfaction, and sustainable tourism practices. His dedication to quality service and ethical management has made Lala Land Farm Resort a trusted destination for travelers seeking an authentic and eco-friendly experience.
With his strong legal background and hands-on industry expertise, Mr. Shaji continues to contribute significantly to both the legal and tourism sectors, ensuring excellence and compliance in hospitality.
Working as HSE professional in Oil and Gas and other sector for last 27 years with vast experience in safety risk assessment, EIA, waste management, water management, ISO certification audits and HSE training.
Worked in various positions focussing on Environment Management and Occupational / Operational Safety in India, UAE and Qatar. Presently working with ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) since 2013.
Hold double Master’s degree in Environment Management (M Sc.) and Environmental Economics (M A).
Ambition is to implement integrated farming and sustainable tourism incorporating all knowledge and experience earned in the field of environment and sustainable resource management.
Co-owner of Perya Hills Serviced Villa.
Involved in the hospitality field for more than 5 years.
Shimil Johnson is a seasoned hospitality professional with a strong academic background and extensive industry experience. He holds a BSc in Hotel Management and an MBA in HR & Marketing, equipping him with a solid foundation in hotel operations, guest relations, and business management.
Shimil began his career as a trainee at Club Mahindra, Coorg, where he honed his skills over six months of intensive training. He then joined Club Mahindra Coorg as a waiter, where he worked diligently for two years, gaining hands-on experience in guest service and restaurant operations.
Building on his experience, he moved to Malabar Gate Hotel as a Restaurant Supervisor. His dedication and leadership skills led to a promotion as Restaurant Manager within three years. Continuing his upward trajectory, he joined the Emerald Group of Hotels as an Operations Manager, where he contributed significantly for two years before moving to an international role.
Shimil then took a prestigious position as an Assistant Restaurant Manager at one of the leading five-star luxury hotels under the Boudal Group abroad. His tenure there lasted three years, during which he refined his expertise in managing high-end hospitality services.
After returning to India, Shimil ventured into hospitality entrepreneurship by establishing Coffee County Retreat in Sultan Bathery. Following two years of successful operations, he moved on to co-found Wayanad Blooms Resort in Kenichira, where he continues to provide exceptional hospitality experiences
Aswin Thavara is a dynamic IT professional with a passion for leveraging technology to enhance business operations. As the IT Director for WETA, Aswin plays a crucial role in integrating cutting-edge technology solutions to streamline operations and improve guest experiences. With a strong background in software development and IT infrastructure management, Aswin ensures that WETA’s digital platforms are robust, secure, and user-friendly.
Aswin’s expertise extends to data analytics, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, making him an invaluable asset to the organization. His innovative approach to technology has helped WETA stay ahead in the competitive tourism industry, offering seamless digital experiences to both guests and staff.
Director of Technical Operations
Director of Technical Operations