Kerala Sees 21% Surge in Tourist Arrivals, Says Tourism Minister

Synopsis

Kerala's Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas announced a 21% increase in tourist arrivals in 2024, reaching 22,246,989 visitors. The K-Homes project aims to enhance accommodation options, while initiatives for women stakeholders and farm tourism are also in progress.

Key Takeaways

21% increase in tourist arrivals in 2024.
Launch of K-Homes project for better accommodation.
Focus on women in tourism.
Development of Farm Tourism.
Introduction of Destination Challenge project.

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 12 ( IANS) Kerala welcomed 22,246,989 tourists in 2024, reflecting a significant 21% increase compared to the pre-pandemic era, as reported by the Minister for Tourism and Public Works P A Mohamed Riyas during the State Assembly session on Wednesday.

“This remarkable rise in tourist numbers indicates that the state has been consistently improving its tourist arrival records over the past few years,” stated Riyas.

He elaborated on the newly launched K-Homes project, introduced in the 2025-26 state budget, aimed at enhancing accommodation options for visitors by utilizing vacant homes near popular destinations. The project will initially roll out in Kovalam, Kumarakom, Munnar, and Fort Kochi.

“The K-Homes initiative is poised to elevate tourism to unprecedented levels by providing tourists with a cozy stay while immersing them in local culture and cuisine. Special measures, including online booking facilities, will be established for the K-Homes project,” Riyas explained, noting that he is the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The K-Homes initiative is set to fortify Kerala’s hospitality sector, operating within a 10 km radius of selected tourist spots.

Additionally, he highlighted a project aimed at uniting women stakeholders in the tourism sector under one umbrella as part of efforts to promote women-centric tourism.

“To date, 17,631 women have registered under this initiative through the Responsible Tourism Mission Society, encompassing tour operators, homestay proprietors, drivers, and other tourism business owners,” Riyas added.

Farm Tourism is another area earmarked for expansion.

The Responsible Tourism Mission Society has conducted training for 952 units, with 452 units performing well; among these, 103 have been listed on the RT Mission’s website.

Riyas noted that the state’s Design Policy has been utilized to maintain destinations that are environmentally friendly and visually appealing.

Another exciting initiative for the tourism sector is the Destination Challenge project, which aims to promote lesser-known locations and is being executed in collaboration with Local Self Government Institutions.

Campus-based Tourism Clubs have been engaged for the enhancement, maintenance, and branding of destinations in their respective areas. A program to train students as tourism guides skilled in various languages has also been initiated.

“Local Youth Tourism Clubs have been established across the state, involving community service providers such as taxi and autorickshaw drivers,” Riyas concluded.