Kerala makes massive surge in tourist visits in 2025

Kerala made a massive surge in tourist visits in 2025 with a record 2,58,80,365 visitors flocking to the state during the year, marking an increase of 28,95,002 from the previous year, Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas said.

Key Statistics
- Total Visitors (2025): 2,58,80,365 (up by 28,95,002 from 2024).
- Domestic Tourists: 2,50,58,366 (12.46% increase over 2024; 36.3% higher than pre-pandemic 2019).
- Foreign Tourists: 8,21,999 (11.3% increase over 2024, though still below pre-Covid levels).

District-wise Footfall (Top Performers)
- Idukki: 46,79,800
- Ernakulam: 44,29,899
- Thiruvananthapuram: 43,75,846
- Thrissur: 31,24,696
- Wayanad: 14,73,710
- Kozhikode: 14,69,253

Source Markets
- Domestic: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.
- International: UK, US, Oman, Germany, France, Malaysia, Australia, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Canada.

Government Perspective
- Minister P A Mohamed Riyas: - Called the surge a vindication of policy initiatives and Kerala’s positioning as an all-weather experiential destination.
- Highlighted steady growth over five years, despite global geopolitical turbulence.
- Emphasized tourism’s role in local economic development and grassroots benefits.

Infrastructure & Strategic Initiatives
- Renovation of rest houses, especially in Malabar region, improving affordable accommodation.
- Expansion of facilities in northern districts like Kasaragod, including five-star hotels.
- Improved road connectivity boosting accessibility in Thrissur, Wayanad, Kozhikode.
- New destinations identified and developed, strengthening Kerala’s place on the global tourism map.

Significance
Kerala’s tourism sector has staged a spectacular comeback post-pandemic, with domestic tourism driving the surge and foreign arrivals steadily recovering. The state’s integrated approach—combining infrastructure, new destinations, and grassroots hospitality—has made tourism a major contributor to the economy.