Kerala, also called ‘God’s Own Country’, is planning to boost its tourism sector by aiming to attract more domestic and international tourists ahead of the festival season. The state is now focusing on new experiences to attract a larger number of travellers. Keep reading to know what Kerala is planning.
Kerala Planning To Boost Tourism Ahead Of Festival Season
Kerala is focusing on festival tourism with a wide variety of culturally rich events while also planning new experiential products to attract both domestic and international travellers. Though Kerala is one of the most popular destinations in India, attracting lakhs of tourists every month, it has yet to recover to pre-COVID-19 levels in terms of international visitors, as reported by The Free Press Journal.
Its rich heritage and wellness retreats drew 2.22 crore tourists in 2024. The authorities now aim to increase these numbers. They plan to attract more visitors through outreach programmes, newly added locales on the Kerala tourism map, and by highlighting already popular destinations like the backwaters, beaches, and hill stations.
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Events And Festivals To Draw Visitors
The state is emerging as a preferred spot for destination weddings. Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) events are also gaining popularity. Here are some key plans to boost tourism in Kerala:
- Kochi-Muziris Biennale: Scheduled from December 12 to March 31, 2026, this is India’s most significant new-age art event.
- Champions Boat League: Ongoing in Alappuzha, it continues to attract visitors.
- Yaanam 2025: Tales, Trails & Journeys: India’s first travel literary festival will be held from October 17 to 19 at Ranga Kala Kendram in Varkala. This three-day event is expected to attract writers, travellers, and artists.
International Tourist Season
Kerala is also preparing for the international tourist season. As per The New Indian Express, the state is set to welcome visitors from Russia, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Norway, and Denmark. The US ranks second to the UK in foreign tourist inflow, contributing 13.33% of total arrivals. The top 11 countries that contributed to around 69.13% of total foreign tourist visits, which helped boost Kerala tourism in 2024, are:
- UK: 14.55%
- USA: 13.33%
- Germany: 6.24%
- France: 6.12%
- Malaysia: 5.55%
- Oman: 5.20%
- Australia: 4.32%
- Maldives: 4.10%
- Saudi Arabia: 4.05%
- UAE: 3.35%
- Canada: 2.32%
Kerala’s initiatives aim to boost tourism further this year and restore the numbers to pre-COVID-19 levels. Visitors can expect a variety of experiences, including houseboats, caravan stays, plantation visits, jungle resorts, and homestays. The state will also offer Ayurveda-based wellness retreats, countryside walks, and adventure activities to enhance the overall experience.
What do you think of Kerala’s new plans to boost tourism? Share your thoughts with us.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Aravind P.S. and Zhangliubin (Representative Image)
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