Kerala to focus on health and spiritual travellers with 20% increase in tourism budget

Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal has said that the state's tourism department will see a 20% increase in its budget allocation, with renewed focus on developing health and spiritual tourism across the region.

He made the announcement while inaugurating ‘Lokom Kothikkum Keralam’ Vision 2031, a state-level tourism seminar organised by the Kerala Tourism Department at Marian College, Kuttikkanam on October 25.

Balagopal emphasised the importance of attracting high-spending domestic tourists and outlined plans to transform Kerala into a premier health tourism destination. He highlighted the state government’s commitment to supporting pilgrimage tourism, revealing that ₹250 crore has been earmarked annually for maintaining roads leading to Sabarimala.

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The minister further highlighted emerging opportunities in cruise tourism and the establishment of international convention centres at key destinations. He noted that the initiative to provide startup-style financial assistance for hotel projects with investments up to ₹50 crore is nearing completion.

Balagopal also stressed the need for the tourism sector to adapt to the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI).“Whether society likes it or not, AI is significantly influencing our daily lives and jobs,” he said.

“At this stage, soft skills like art and cooking—areas not impacted by AI—hold great potential. Tourism is the best sector to acquire and enhance these skills,” he added.

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During the event, Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas unveiled the Vision 2031 policy document, prepared by the Kerala Tourism Department. The document sets out strategies for developing year-round tourism infrastructure while ensuring sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Riyas highlighted the importance of planned development for tourist destinations, noting that many locations in Kerala are approaching saturation.

“On identifying such places in the next five years, we must upgrade them to international standards with cooperation from local communities,” he said.

“Such planning should be assisted by modern technology such as AI. Easy tourism should be Kerala’s USP on the tourism map. We plan to expand popular tourism in a way that strengthens local employment and the economy.”

Riyas also reaffirmed Kerala Tourism’s standing as a global brand.
“Whether abroad or at home, there should evolve a situation where all Malayalis become brand ambassadors of Kerala Tourism,” he said, adding that no other destination offers such a diverse range of tourism experiences.

Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine praised the government’s “creative action plan” for the tourism sector, noting its contribution to the state’s GDP growth. Tourism Department Secretary K Biju presented a summary of the sector’s achievements over the past nine years, while Tourism Director Sikha Surendran also addressed the gathering.

(With inputs from PTI)