Kerala Expects Uptick in Summer Holidayers; Promises Total Travel Experience

NEW DELHI:
Expecting a massive uptick in domestic footfalls, Kerala Tourism today rolled out in the national capital a whole range of enticing products ahead of the summer holidays, assuring vacationers of quality time and enthralling experiences.

“I want to firmly assure that Kerala’s touristy appeal not only retains its enduring charm but also keeps evolving with innovative products and initiatives, strengthening the state’s reputation as a welcoming and exciting place for all seasons,” Kerala Tourism Director Sikha Surendran said at a press conference here on the sidelines of the Partnership Meet in which a large number tourism stakeholders participated.

As domestic visitors account for a formidable chunk of Kerala’s tourism sector, the state has launched an all-India campaign to firm up partnerships with stakeholders across the countryto meet the surge, especially during the summer vacation for schools.

“Tourists from inside the country have always played a paramount role in making Kerala’s tourism a throbbing enterprise. This has been the thrust of our pan-India promotional campaigns focusing onreinforcing the state’s position as an all-season experiential tourism destination for a diverse range of visitors,” she emphasized.

Kerala has witnessed a sharp uptick in domestic tourist arrivals, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2022 while their footfalls increased to a record number in 2023. The increase in footfalls continued in 2024 with a total of 1,08,57,181 tourist arrivals from within the country in the first half of 2024 (January-June).

Besides the national capital, pre-summer B2B meets have also been planned in Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Chennai and Kolkata, featuring the transformative initiatives and popular destinations before leading stakeholders of the tourism and hospitality industry. The first such roadshow this year was held in Hyderabad on January 21.

The outreach has onboarded tourism facilitators and stakeholders from around the country to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable travel and leisure experience for visitors from all over India.

“This time round, we arealso spotlighting North Kerala, especially Bekal, Wayanad and Kozhikode, besides lesser-known destinations with vastly improved infrastructure, logistics and digital connectivity”,she said.

During the post-pandemic phase, Kerala Tourism was accorded coveted international and national honours as a never-miss place. The latest such accolade is from leading digital travel company Booking.com, which ranked Kerala as the second in the list of the ‘Most Welcoming Regions’ in its 13thAnnual TravellersReview Awards.

Alongside with the state’s core assets like beaches, hill stations, houseboats and backwaters, the new products will heighten the totality of the visitors’ experience. Renowned for its pristine natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich heritage, Kerala will also offer to its visitors a brush with cultural euphoria and literary events.

The capital city is all set to host the Nishagandhi Dance Festival from February 14 to 20, featuring renowneddancers from all over India representing classical dance forms like Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam and Manipuri.

Scaling up Kerala’s standing as an adventure tourism destination, the state is also all set to host international Surfing, Paragliding and Mountain Cycling championships in February-March this year.

The International Surfing Festival will be held at Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district on February 27 and 28, the International Paragliding Festival at Vagamon in Idukki from March 19 to 23, and Mountain Terrain Biking Championship (MTB Kerala 2025) on March 28 to 30 at Mananthavadi in Wayanad.

Combining luxury and leisure, Kerala has also emerged as a preferred hub for destination weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) events.

Records show that more and more Indians and foreign nationals are visiting Kerala for tying the knot. With its spectacular landscapes, world-class facilities and seamless blend of tradition and modernity, the state is attracting event and wedding planners, couples and corporate clients looking for a distinctive experience.

The state is unique in having a bouquet of experiences for travel enthusiasts like houseboats, caravan stays, plantation visits, jungle resorts, homestays, Ayurveda-based wellness solutions, adventure activities, and countryside walks, including trekking to verdant hills.