Tourism News
Kerala Tourism to Introduce High-Tech Tourist Information Kiosks
In a major upgrade to the tourist experience in Kerala, the traditional tourist-information centres at airports, railway stations and other locations are set to be replaced with advanced kiosks equipped with chatbot technology. This innovative initiative comes as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Kerala Tourism and the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM). The kiosks aim to provide quick, efficient and user-friendly information to tourists, catering to the evolving needs of modern travellers.
According to officials, the new kiosks will not only be installed at traditional tourist locations but also be strategically placed in IT parks, targeting the growing segment of domestic travellers from the technology sector. The MoU is expected to be formalized shortly, and the government plans to roll out the project immediately, signalling a significant leap toward tech-driven tourism services.
These sleek and compact kiosks, unlike traditional information centres, require minimal space and are designed to operate 24/7. The kiosks will be multilingual, making them accessible to a wider range of users. An official highlighted that the outdated tourist information centres had been discontinued as they were no longer effective, thus paving the way for these modern alternatives.
As many as ten startups have submitted proposals for the project, which are currently undergoing technical and financial evaluation. Work orders are expected to be issued by January, ensuring the kiosks will soon be operational. These state-of-the-art kiosks will provide tourists with essential information at the touch of a button, covering topics like distances to major attractions, must-see sites and tour packages.
Beyond information dissemination, the kiosks will offer integrated services such as hotel bookings, cab arrangements and railway ticketing, significantly simplifying travel logistics for visitors. A KSUM official hinted at additional features to be introduced in the future, including virtual reality tours of Kerala’s iconic destinations, enhancing the tourist experience further.
This phased approach towards implementing high-tech kiosks reflects Kerala Tourism’s commitment to leveraging technology for a seamless and memorable travel experience. The move is expected to redefine how tourists access information and plan their journeys, reinforcing Kerala’s reputation as a forward-thinking and tourist-friendly destination.
