Record Tourist Surge
Kerala has officially set an all-time record for tourist footfall, welcoming an astonishing 2,58,80,365 visitors from outside the state during 2025. This
landmark achievement, announced by Tourism Minister P A Mohammed Riyas, signifies a remarkable comeback for the sector, especially considering the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The minister highlighted that this figure represents the highest number of tourist arrivals since the state's inception. Compared to the previous year, 2024, an additional 28,95,002 tourists explored Kerala, showcasing a robust recovery and growth trajectory. The domestic tourist arrivals alone saw an impressive increase of 12.64 percent, and notably, this figure stands 36.03 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels, underscoring the state's enduring appeal and effective post-pandemic strategies.
District Highlights
The surge in tourism was distributed across various districts, with Idukki emerging as the top destination for domestic tourists, attracting a remarkable 46,79,800 visitors. Following closely behind was Ernakulam, which welcomed 44,29,899 tourists, and the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, registered 43,75,846 arrivals. Thrissur also saw a significant influx with 31,24,696 visitors. A particularly encouraging trend observed is the substantial growth in tourism across North Kerala, spanning from the Thrissur district up to Kasaragod. Historically, this region accounted for a mere six percent of the state's total tourist arrivals, but recent years have seen this share increase significantly, indicating a more balanced distribution of tourism benefits and a broader appeal of Kerala's diverse offerings.
Strategic Recovery Plan
The triumphant return of Kerala's tourism sector is a testament to a well-defined and executed recovery strategy. Minister Riyas recalled the difficult period following the LDF government's return to power in 2021, when the industry was severely impacted by Covid-19, likening the sector to being 'on a ventilator.' To combat this crisis, the government initiated extensive consultations with all stakeholders in the tourism industry. This collaborative approach led to the development of a phased plan designed to navigate the challenges and foster recovery. The clear vision for the sector's progression as the pandemic subsided proved instrumental in revitalizing tourist arrivals and achieving the current record-breaking numbers.
Future Growth Drivers
Looking ahead, Kerala is committed to further enhancing its tourism appeal through a multi-pronged approach. The state government is actively focusing on promoting responsible tourism practices, aiming to attract a greater number of foreign tourists while ensuring sustainable development. Investments are being made in improving infrastructure, such as the development of PWD rest houses to provide more affordable accommodation options for visitors. Furthermore, the ongoing completion of the National Highway-66 project is expected to dramatically improve connectivity across the state. Enhanced road networks will make even remote and picturesque districts more accessible, thereby encouraging tourists to explore a wider range of destinations within Kerala, further diversifying the tourism experience and boosting local economies.
