Tourism News
Kerala Sets Tourism Record in 2024 with Over 2.22 Crore Visitors
Kerala’s tourism sector achieved a major milestone in 2024, attracting 2,22,46,989 tourists, marking a 21% increase from pre-pandemic levels, Shri. P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister, Kerala Tourism, informed the State Assembly. This steady rise in tourist arrivals reaffirms Kerala’s position as a leading travel destination and highlights the effectiveness of the state’s tourism revival strategies.
One of the key initiatives introduced in the 2025-26 state budget to further boost tourism is the K-Homes project, which aims to increase accommodation availability by utilising unoccupied homes near major tourist destinations. The project will initially be rolled out in Kovalam, Kumarakom, Munnar and Fort Kochi, offering visitors comfortable stays with an immersive cultural experience. Online booking facilities will be developed to streamline reservations for these stays. The initiative is expected to enhance Kerala’s hospitality sector, complementing the state’s existing five-star hotels, premium resorts and government rest houses.
As part of Kerala’s push for women-inclusive tourism, a project has been launched to bring women stakeholders under one platform. So far, 17,631 women have registered under this initiative through the Responsible Tourism Mission Society, representing a diverse range of tourism entrepreneurs, including tour operators, homestay owners, and transport service providers. The success of Kerala’s women-friendly tourism model was showcased on an international stage at the Global Women Conference on Gender Inclusive and Responsible Tourism in Munnar.
Further strengthening tourism innovation, Kerala Tourism signed an MoU with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to integrate digital solutions for tourism promotion. The agreement includes leveraging technology for real-time information sharing, improving accessibility to destinations, and enhancing overall tourist experience through digital platforms. Kerala’s Design Policy is also being utilized to ensure that tourist destinations remain environmentally sustainable and aesthetically appealing.
In an effort to promote offbeat travel experiences, Kerala has been implementing the Destination Challenge project, which focuses on highlighting lesser-known travel spots in partnership with Local Self-Government Institutions. So far, 40 such locations have been identified. This initiative aligns with the ‘Destination Dupe’ travel trend, where tourists opt for less-crowded, affordable alternatives to popular destinations for unique and meaningful experiences.
Kerala is also focusing on experiential tourism, with training programmes for local stakeholders and the involvement of campus-based Tourism Clubs in branding and maintaining destinations. A new initiative to train students as multilingual tourist guides has also been introduced. Additionally, Local Youth Tourism Clubs have been formed, bringing together service providers such as taxi and autorickshaw drivers to create a more community-driven tourism ecosystem.
Expanding Farm and Heritage Tourism
Recognising Farm Tourism as a key growth sector, the Responsible Tourism Mission Society has trained 952 farm tourism units, with 452 units performing well and 103 listed on the RT Mission’s website. The initiative aims to attract visitors seeking authentic rural experiences, thereby boosting local agritourism-based businesses.
In a move to enhance heritage tourism, the government has announced plans to organize heritage walks, engaging students and local communities in promoting Kerala’s rich cultural legacy. These walks are expected to bring historical landmarks to life, offering tourists a deeper understanding of Kerala’s traditions and heritage sites.
With these strategic initiatives, Kerala continues to position itself as a diverse and experiential tourism destination, ensuring sustainable growth while offering unique travel experiences to visitors.
