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

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.

By: Express Web Desk

Thiruvananthapuram | March 4, 2024 10:38 PM IST

2 min read

In 2022, Kerala registered a footfall of 18,867,414 domestic tourists, state Minister for Tourism and Public Works P A Mohamed Riyas said. Express photo

Kerala witnessed a record surge in the number of domestic tourists last year with as many as 21,871,641 people visiting the state. This accounted for a nearly 16 per cent surge as compared to the previous year, the state’s tourism ministry said on Monday.

In 2022, Kerala registered a footfall of 18,867,414 domestic tourists, state Minister for Tourism and Public Works P A Mohamed Riyas said at a press conference.

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.

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