Latest Kerala Tourism News & Updates

Kerala Tourism Hits Record 2.58 Crore Visitors in 2025, Marking Historic Growth

Kerala saw its biggest influx of tourists in the history of the state, with over 2.5 crore visitors arriving in 2025 alone. This total is an increase of 12.5% compared to 2024; therefore, showing a continuing sustained growth trend in the industry. According to Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, this number represents continued record-breaking years and renewed confidence in Kerala travel. Of the total arrivals, 2.50 crore were domestic tourists, while 8.21 lakh were foreign tourists, despite global geopolitical uncertainties affecting international travel.

Strong Domestic Growth and Rising Global Interest

• Domestic tourism continues to play a major role in the increase and reported a 12.6% increase over last year, with many of the states responsible for this increase being Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
• There was also an increase of 11.3% in the number of international tourists coming into India from countries such as the UK, US, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the Maldives, thus reinforcing Kerala as an international travel destination.
• When looking at the data by district, Idukki had the highest domestic footfall; at 46.79 lakh, followed by Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. On the foreign arrival front, Ernakulam district is at the top of the list demonstrating its dual appeal for business and leisure tourism.

Why Kerala Continues to Attract Travellers

The number of tourists who have arrived in Kerala has been increasing steadily, but this increase is not random. Many factors contribute to Kerala's attractiveness to tourists, including its many different attractions, such as the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, beautiful hill stations, nature and wildlife, beaches and heritage sites. It is also important to note that there are many popular destinations throughout the state of Kerala that are attracting visitors, including Periyar National Park, Munnar and Kovalam, among various others.

The culinary traditions of Kerala, vibrant cultural performances such as Kathakali, and the internationally acclaimed Ayurveda tourism system; all serve to enhance the state’s position as a holistic travel destination. Furthermore, there have been many improvements to government rest houses as well as new developments in the tourist infrastructure; these improvements aid in the enhancement of the accommodation quality across the state.

Kerala’s Tourism Momentum Shows No Signs of Slowing

During the year 2025, Kerala tourism statistics reached an all-time high, solidifying Kerala's rank among the top favoured tourist attractions in India. Kerala has had strong domestic demand coupled with persistent; international visitor growth, and a wide array of vacation experiences. As a result, "God's Own Country" continues to achieve new records for growth in Indian tourism. If this upward trend continues, the growth of tourism in Kerala during 2026 will likely achieve greater momentum thus enhancing Kerala's reputation as a premier travel destination in India.

Kerala Tourism Shatters Records: Attracting over 22 Million Tourists in 2024

Kerala Tourism's latest news reveals that, back in 2024, the state had seen a remarkable growth, upon welcoming an approximation of 2,22,46,989 tourists, marking a 21% increase compared to pre-pandemic era, said by the Tourism Minister, P.A. Mohammed Riyas.

This substantial surge highlights the state's appeal as one of India’s leading top tourist destinations.

The state's tourism industry is bouncing back, credits to innovative projects like the K-Homes initiative, which holds a primary motive of enhancing tourist accommodation facilities, along with local cultural experiences in popular tourist places like Kovalam and Munnar.

Additionally, efforts are to be undertaken to involve women in tourism, expand farm tourism, and to promote the underrated destinations, like those under the Destination Challenge project, are all contributing to Kerala's flourishing tourism sector.

Kerala's Hospitality Earns The 2nd Rank in India's 'Most Welcoming Regions’

Kerala Tourism News Update has it that Kerala has demonstrated excellence in Booking.com's annual Traveller Review Awards, by being recognized as the second ‘Most Welcoming Regions’ in India for 2025.

Within the state, cities such as Mararikulam, Thekkady, Alappuzha, Munnar, and Varkala were identified as the most hospitable ones. Thus, adding themselves in the company of popular tourist destinations in Kerala.