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Kerala Tourism is set to embrace technological advancements by replacing its traditional tourist information centres with robotic and automatic kiosks. This initiative aims to digitalize the information delivery system, offering tourists easy access to details such as distance to destinations, key attractions, tour packages and more.
In the first phase, tourist information centres at railway stations will be replaced by these automated kiosks. As part of this transition, the Tourism Department has issued an order to close the tourist information centres in Thiruvananthapuram and Varkala railway stations, citing decline in visitors to these centres.
Shri. P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister, Kerala Tourism, highlighted that the introduction of robotic kiosks at railway stations is part of a broader effort to modernize and digitalize Kerala's tourism infrastructure. The department has also sought a detailed report from the Director of Tourism regarding the replacement process.
These user-friendly kiosks will allow tourists to access all necessary information about Kerala with just a few clicks, covering key topics such as distance to popular locations, must-see attractions and available tour packages. The staff from these closed information centres will be redeployed for other duties, according to officials.
Currently, Kerala Tourism operates information centres across all districts, including airports, major railway stations and district headquarters. In addition, the state maintains information centres in other states such as West Bengal, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, New Delhi and Tamil Nadu.
Kerala Tourism has also embraced several digital initiatives, including the 24x7 WhatsApp chatbot ‘Maya,’ which offers tourists instant access to essential information and updates. Another app serves as a real-time audio guide, notifying tourists of nearby attractions as they travel. The state’s QR-code-based virtual travel guide provides tourists with comprehensive details about popular and lesser-known locales, tour packages and booking options. District-specific apps such as 'Kottayam Tourism' and Idukki’s ‘VIBJYOR’ for guiding tourists in Munnar further enhance the digital experience.
According to officials, evolving global trends indicate that traditional information centres are becoming obsolete, warranting the shift to more advanced, digital systems.
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