Last year, Kerala recorded a record 2.1 million domestic arrivals, while international visits reached 6.49 million, according to data from the Kerala Tourism Board.
Biju said: “We are actually expecting around 2.2 million domestic visitors this year and around 8 million foreign tourists. As far as domestic visitors are concerned, we have already surpassed the pre-pandemic level. As far as foreign tourists are concerned… we are hoping to surpass the 2019 level by 2026.”
In 2019, Kerala saw the highest growth in domestic and overall tourist numbers in 24 years, with 1.95 million visitors, including 11.89 lakh international tourists.
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Kerala Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas said, “The focus will no longer be limited to beaches, backwaters and hill stations. We are taking calibrated steps to reinforce Kerala’s reputation as a hospitable destination in all weathers.”
Biju said, “This fiscal year, the state government has allocated Rs 351 crore to the tourism sector, of which Rs 138 crore will be spent on infrastructure development.” He added, “The state is running a campaign called ‘Malinya Muktam Nava Keralam’, a campaign in Kerala that aims to improve waste management.”
On the possible impacts of the Wayanad landslide, Biju acknowledged that cancellations have had some effect, but stressed that efforts are being made to mitigate the impact. “It has indeed affected the bookings we had. There have been cancellations. However, we have prepared ourselves with campaigns in Wayanad, especially to get people to come back and enjoy. So, we do not expect a major impact on tourism as we are addressing the issue,” he said.
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Biju noted that Kerala attracts visitors from neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, but is now targeting potential tourists from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.
The state is also working to improve the safety of women travelling alone and has plans to conduct a safety audit for around 81 destinations, Biju added.
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