Yusuff Ali is unofficial ambassador of Kerala: Chief Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday described prominent businessman MA Yusuff Ali as an unofficial ambassador of Kerala. The CM was inaugurating the Hyatt Regency, a five-star hotel jointly launched by Lulu Group and Hyatt Hotels Corporation in Thiruvananthapuram.

"It is commendable that Hyatt is coming at a time when the tourism sector is booming in Kerala. Yusuff Ali is a business leader who is helping Kerala in every way in increasing investment. The state government has received his help at various stages in different parts of the world. Yusuff Ali's behaviour and cooperation will be the same no matter who is in the chair instead of me. That is his genus. Yusuff Ali has a good relationship with everyone. Let Yusuff Ali organize more such events regularly as an opportunity for politicians to come together," he said.

Opposition leader VD Satheesan presided over the function held at the hotel's Great Hall Convention Center. Union Minister V. Muraleedharan, Ministers PA Muhammad Riyas, Antony Raju, GR Anil, V Sivankutty, Shashi Tharoor MP, MLAs PK Kunhalikutty, Ramesh Chennithala etc. were the special guests. Lulu Group Executive Director MA Ashraf Ali, CEO Saifi Rupawala, COO Salim VI, Lulu Group Director MA Salim, Lulu Financial Group CEO Adeeb Ahmed, Lulu Group India CEO Nishad MA and Lulu Thiruvananthapuram Regional Director Joy Shadanandan were also present.

Hotel worth Rs 500 crore in Kozhikode

In his welcome speech, Lulu Group Chairman MA Yusuff Ali said that the new hotel of Hyatt will be built at a cost of Rs 500 crore in Kozhikode. "We have purchased 6 acres of land. Work will begin in January," Yusuff Ali said.

Opposition Leader VD Satheesan said that Lulu Group, which provides employment to 30,000 Malayalis, is the pride of all Malayalis. Union Minister V Muraleedharan said that Yusuff Ali is the protector of Indians outside India. He also said that Yusuff Ali will have the support of the Centre for development work. Minister PA Muhammad Riyas said that there should be more such initiatives that will give energy to Kerala tourism. MP Shashi Tharoor said that not only tourism but also business should grow in the capital and these kinds of hotels will help in that.