God’s Own Country – Kerala – has emerged as the most favoured destination for domestic and foreign tourists in India. As per the data revealed by Kerala’s tourism department, the state recorded 2.18 crore domestic tourist footfalls in 2023. On the international front, Kerala saw around 6.4 lakh foreign tourists in the previous year. Kerala’s Minister for Tourism and Public Works, PA Mohamed Riyas unveiled these numbers in a press conference on Monday.
Kerala Records All-Time High Domestic Tourist Arrivals In 2023
Kerala has set an all-time record in domestic tourism by welcoming around 2.18 crore tourists in 2023. As per the state’s tourism department, as many as 21,871,641 Indian tourists visited Kerala last year. This is a massive 16% surge from 2022 when the state saw a domestic tourist footfall of 18,867,414 people.
As per Kerala’s Minister for Tourism & Public Works, PA Mohamed Riyas, the 2023 figures also see a surge of 18.97% as compared to the pre-COVID year of 2019. Not just for Indian tourists, it looks like Kerala is the first preference of international tourists as well. In 2023, Kerala saw 6,49,057 international visitors. This is an impressive 87.83% surge from 3,45,549 tourists who visited the state in 2022! However, this is still 45.45% lower than the pre-pandemic levels.
In the press conference, PA Mohamed Riyas said that these numbers are a “testament to Kerala Tourism’s vigorous efforts.” To ensure the growth of tourism in Kerala, they have plans to include more adventure activities and events to attract more tourists.
Also Read: When In Kerala, Try These 6 Delicious Local Sweets
Which Districts Witnessed Higher Domestic & Foreign Tourists?
So, which part of Kerala is attracting the most tourists? Well, the Ernakulam district emerges at the top for domestic as well as international tourists. Around 44,87,930 Indian and 2,79,904 international tourists visited this district in 2023. For domestic tourists, Ernakulam was followed by Idukki, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and finally Wayanad at the top spots. As for the international tourists, people preferred visiting Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, Alappuzha, and Kottayam the most, after Ernakulam.
Have you been to Kerala yet? If yes, then what was your favourite place there? Let us know in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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