Kerala sets all-time record in domestic tourist arrivals in 2023: State government

The 2023 figure was also 18.97 per cent higher than the pre-Covid year of 2019, the minister said.

Ernakulam district witnessed the highest influx of domestic tourists last year with 4,487,930 visitors, followed by Idukki (3,633,584), Thiruvananthapuram (3,589,932), Thrissur (2,478,573), and Wayanad (1,750,267).

With regard to international tourists, the state had 6,49,057 visitors in 2023, as compared to 3,45,549 tourists in 2022 — a growth of 87.83 per cent. Ernakulam district was visited by 2,79,904 such tourists, followed by Thiruvananthapuram (1,48,462), Idukki (1,03,644), Alappuzha (31,403), and Kottayam (28,458).

“This is a testament to Kerala Tourism’s vigorous efforts based on well-crafted policy initiatives and meticulously implemented promotional strategies within and outside the country,” Riyas said. As for the number of visitors from abroad, the minister pointed out that despite a significant uptick, it was still 45.45 per cent lower when compared to international tourist arrivals before the onset of the Covid pandemic.

While the minister attributed the slow growth in international tourism to global challenges, he said that the government has planned activities and events to attract more tourists. He added that more regulatory measures are being taken to ensure safety of adventure activities, including mandatory registration and licence for surfing training clubs and similar ventures.