- Kerala launches all-India campaign to scale up domestic tourist footfalls in summer
- The campaign is particularly focusing on North Kerala, especially Bekal, Wayand and Kozhikode, besides lesser-known destinations with vastly improved infrastructure: Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas
- Unveils new products – heli-tourism and the sea plane initiative – which will make destinations in the state closely connected and easily accessible
- The capital city will host the Nishagandhi Dance Festival from February 15 to 21 at the Kanakakkunnu Palace
- Over 3 lakh from Gujarat visited Kerala
- Tourist operators offer group booking facilities with 20 or more by air or train
GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, FEB 5
Wanna to escape from scorching summer in Gujarat, just pack your bag and leave for God’s Own Country in South India. One can rejuvenate their body and mind in the lap of Mother Nature with your kith and kin. Also, corporates can hold brain-storming session while adventurous youth can indulge in various activities and spiritual lovers can find solace in the green environment, says Kerala Tourism.
“As the summer holiday season is fast approaching, we will be unfolding new products before the domestic visitors by targeting school holidays and family audience,” said Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas.
This time round, the campaign will be particularly focusing on North Kerala, especially Bekal, Wayand and Kozhikode, besides lesser-known destinations with vastly improved infrastructure, the Minister said.
The campaign to showcase Kerala in its myriad hues is part of the innovative promotion strategy to enhance visibility for the destinations and unique tourism products the state has to offer while directly connecting with potential visitors from key source cities, Shri Riyas pointed out.
Among the new products that would attract the tourists are heli-tourism and the sea plane initiative, which will make destinations in the state closely connected and easily accessible, said Biju K, Secretary – Tourism, Government of Kerala.
Alongside the new projects, the state’s core assets like beaches, hill stations, houseboats and backwater segment will heighten the totality of the visitors’ experience, Biju added.
Renowned for its pristine natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich heritage, Kerala will also offer to its visitors a brush with its cultural euphoria and literary events. The capital city will host the Nishagandhi Dance Festival from February 15 to 21 at the Kanakakkunnu Palace, where renowned dancers from all over India will present classical dance forms like Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Manipuri, said Sikha Surendran, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala.
Combining luxury and leisure, Kerala is fast emerging 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 to walk on the altar. With its spectacular landscapes, world-class facilities and seamless blend of tradition and modernity, the state is also attracting event planners, couples and corporate clients looking for a distinctive experience, said. Sikha Surendran, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala.
The state is unique in having a variety 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.
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 semester (January-June). International tourist arrivals are also expected to reach pre-COVID levels this year as is evident from an upswing in bookings during the ongoing winter holiday season.
Anticipating a surge in domestic footfalls during the summer holiday season, Kerala Tourism has planned an array of travel trade networking events by organizing B2B roadshows to roll out new products before a wider audience, besides active participation in major trade fairs.
According to Sajesh N, information officer of Kerala Tourism, “Over 3 lakh tourists from Gujarat visited Kerala last year. And this year, this number will go up as the state has added more infrastructures which will cater to the needs of all.”
