Kerala’s tourism milestone in 2023 lays the groundwork for Indian tourism in 2024

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Kerala’s tourism sector has experienced unprecedented growth in domestic tourist arrivals in 2023, as highlighted by P A Mohamed Riyas, the Minister for Tourism and Public Works. The state witnessed a remarkable 15.92% increase in domestic tourist footfalls, reaching 2.18 crore compared to the previous year’s figures. This growth not only surpasses the 2022 statistics but also marks an 18.97% increase from the figures recorded in 2019, illustrating a positive trend in the state’s tourism industry.

Ernakulam district emerged as the top destination for domestic tourists, attracting 44,87,930 visitors, with other districts like Idukki, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Wayanad also seeing significant tourist numbers. This influx is reflective of Kerala’s appeal as a diverse and attractive tourist destination.

The growth in domestic tourism is paralleled by an encouraging surge in international tourist arrivals, which saw an 87.83% increase in 2023, bringing the number of international visitors to 6,49,057. This growth, however, is still 45.45% lower than the international tourism figures before the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating room for recovery and growth in the coming years.

Riyas attributed this success to the vigorous efforts of Kerala Tourism, underpinned by strategic policy initiatives and promotional strategies aimed at both domestic and international markets. Despite the challenges posed by global conflicts affecting international tourism, Kerala has shown resilience and progress in attracting foreign tourists, with a steady recovery observed in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Looking ahead to 2024, the minister’s emphasis on adventure tourism events and targeted promotional activities in the Malabar region indicates a strategic approach to not only regain the lost ground in international tourism but also to further enhance domestic tourism. These efforts are expected to contribute significantly to Kerala’s tourism sector, projecting an optimistic outlook for 2024.

The projection for 2024, considering the current trajectory and strategic initiatives, suggests that Kerala is on a path to not only recover the pre-pandemic tourism figures but also to explore new avenues for growth. The focus on diversifying tourist attractions, coupled with efforts to attract more visitors to lesser-known regions, is likely to bolster the state’s tourism industry, making Kerala an even more appealing destination for travelers from around the world.

This progressive trend is not just a testament to Kerala’s enduring appeal but also a beacon of hope for the global tourism industry, signaling a gradual return to normalcy and growth in the wake of the pandemic’s challenges.

« Back to Page

• Saudi Arabia targets 30 million tourists in 2024, spotlight at ATM 2024 Dubai