SOTC campus makes improvements while expanding Indian tourists want to hurl tomatoes in Spain 2011

ARDMORE,OK--Classes at the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center have been pushed back till Monday as the campus undergoes some major renovations. Kristen Shanahan tells us how the dust and demo is making way for some new improvements.

The SOTC is looking much different than it did back in 1966 when it first opened. SOTC Superintendent Dr. David Powell says a lot of changes are being made.

Dr. Powell says the longstanding building "B"is being torn down after suffering damages in two tornadoes, but it's ending makes way for a new beginning. A new health academy will take it's place in about a year, and that's not the only new addition.

"I really anticipate the manufacturing building when it's complete. Once they see what's inside it, the technology that it represents, we'll have even more people wanting to get in our schools," Powell said.

Campus expansions, like the manufacturing building, will allow for new popular classes. For instance, a Mechatronics class that will instruct students about warehouse operations, and another class that will teach product development.

SOTC Industrial Coordinator Russel Keeton says he'll teach some of these classes, which will provide an education that students just can't get anywhere else.

Keeton says he's seen a lot of changes during the 30 years he's been at SOTC, but he's happy about them. He also says that these new classes will provide students with an even bigger "toolbox of skills".

"It makes me feel good that I've done something that's helped someone, and these new programs are exciting for me because we are in the business to improve people's lives," Keeton said

SOTC, Kuoni India’s outbound travel brand, was felicitated with StarBrands 2011 Award on July 6, 2011 in a gala ceremony organized by Planman Marcom at JW Marriott Hotel, Mumbai. Kashmira Commissariat COO Outbound Division Kuoni India received the award on behalf of SOTC from Anisha Motwani, Director & Chief Marketing Officer, Max New York Life Insurance and Rohit Manchanda, Director, Planman Consulting. SOTC is the only tour operator to be conferred with this honour.

Rajiv Duggal, MD Kuoni India said, “It is indeed an honour to be conferred with the StarBrands Award. We believe in creating memorable and distinct holiday experience for travelers and this award serves as a testimony to the fact that SOTC is a highly trusted and respected brand in the travel industry. The award serves as an inspiration for us to conquer new heights through innovative strategies.”

Star Brands is an annual property of Planman Marcom based on research with the consumers to select the strongest brands that created the most impact in the year. The Indian Council for Market Research (ICMR) conducted research across India on four parameters, namely, Product, Innovation, Recall Perception and Impact on Consumers to select the StarBrands. A brand is chosen as a StarBrands by the consumers and is regarded as a symbol of utmost trust and faith of consumers. StarBrands are regarded as influential tool for the Most Impactful Brands in the country.

About SOTC

Kuoni India's key outbound travel brand is SOTC. SOTC, India’s largest outbound tour operator was acquired by Kuoni Travels in the year 1996 and is a leader in all segments, namely Escorted Tours, Free Individual Travel, and Domestic Holidays amongst others. SOTC Corporate Tours is the leader in Incentive and Trade Fair tours and Sports.