Tourism News
Kochi Emerges as Kerala's Top Tourist Destination
Kochi has become the leading destination for both international and domestic tourists in Kerala. The Tourism Department's 2023 report revealed that Kochi was the most-visited location in the state, attracting 1,82,756 international tourists. It surpassed other popular spots like Kovalam, which drew 65,333 foreign visitors, and Thiruvananthapuram, which hosted 57,379 international tourists.
Kochi also led in domestic tourism, with 30,96,875 Indian visitors in 2023. Thiruvananthapuram followed with 20,41,779 domestic tourists. Other key destinations included Guruvayur, Munnar and Kozhikode City.
A notable shift in international tourism patterns was observed post-COVID-19, with the United States emerging as the top source of foreign tourists to Kerala. In 2022, 39,935 tourists arrived from the U.S., and this number more than doubled to 82,206 in 2023. The UK, traditionally the largest source of international tourists to Kerala, continued to be significant, with 79,894 visitors in 2023.
Kochi's growing popularity is attributed to its rich cultural heritage, vibrant urban life and strategic location, serving as a gateway to other attractions in Kerala. The increase in American tourists highlights Kerala’s expanding reach in the global tourism market, reinforcing the state's importance in international tourism strategies.
As Kerala recovers from the impact of the pandemic, the strong performance of its tourism sector in 2023 suggests a promising future, with Kochi at the forefront of this resurgence.
