Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” witnessed an unprecedented surge in domestic tourist arrivals in 2023, setting an all-time record, according to the state’s tourism ministry. The remarkable figures, unveiled on Monday, reveal a significant boost in Kerala’s popularity as a preferred tourist destination.
In 2023, a staggering 21,871,641 domestic tourists explored the enchanting landscapes of Kerala, marking an impressive 16 percent increase compared to the previous year. State Minister for Tourism and Public Works, P A Mohamed Riyas, disclosed that the state recorded 18,867,414 domestic tourists in 2022, underscoring the remarkable growth.
Moreover, the 2023 figures exceeded those of the pre-Covid year of 2019 by 18.97 percent, indicating a robust recovery for Kerala’s tourism industry. Ernakulam district emerged as the top destination for domestic tourists, welcoming 4,487,930 visitors, followed by Idukki (3,633,584), Thiruvananthapuram (3,589,932), Thrissur (2,478,573), and Wayanad (1,750,267).
In terms of international tourists, Kerala hosted 6,49,057 visitors in 2023, compared to 3,45,549 in 2022, reflecting a remarkable growth of 87.83 percent. Ernakulam district took the lead in international tourism, welcoming 2,79,904 visitors, followed by Thiruvananthapuram (1,48,462), Idukki (1,03,644), Alappuzha (31,403), and Kottayam (28,458).
State Minister P A Mohamed Riyas attributed this accomplishment to Kerala Tourism’s robust efforts, including well-crafted policy initiatives and meticulously executed promotional strategies both within and outside the country. He expressed pride in the state’s tourism sector’s resilience, bouncing back despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic.
Despite the impressive growth in international tourism, Riyas acknowledged that the figures remained 45.45 percent lower than the pre-pandemic international tourist arrivals. He attributed the slower growth to global challenges but assured that the government is actively planning activities and events to attract more tourists. Additionally, he highlighted the implementation of regulatory measures to enhance the safety of adventure activities, including mandatory registration and licensing for surfing training clubs and similar ventures.
As Kerala continues to captivate visitors with its scenic beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality, the state government remains committed to further elevating its tourism offerings and ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all travelers.