Kerala Tourism eyes increased tourist footfall during Dussehra–Diwali season
Kerala Tourism hosted a B2B networking event, "A Wonderful World", in New Delhi ahead of the Dussehra-Diwali travel season.
The event showcased Kerala's evolving position as an experiential tourism destination.
Key Tourism Offerings
- Traditional attractions:
- Beaches
- Hill stations
- Backwater houseboat cruises
- New experiences and curated tourism products designed for immersive travel.
Integrated Travel Packages
- Week-long itineraries combining multiple destinations and experiences across Kerala.
- Focus on cultural, heritage, nature, wellness, and experiential tourism.
Tourism Growth
- Kerala recorded a 10.98% increase in domestic tourist arrivals in Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2025.
- Continued growth reflects rising demand for year-round tourism experiences.
Upcoming Tourism Policy
- Kerala Government is preparing to grant industry status to the tourism sector.
- Expected to attract greater investment and strengthen the state's tourism infrastructure.
Brand Wayanad Initiative
- Recently launched to promote:
- Natural beauty
- Heritage
- Agriculture
- Cultural traditions of Wayanad
- Aims to strengthen Wayanad's identity as a distinct tourism brand.
Collaborative Tourism Circuits
- Exploring joint tourism circuits with:
- Coorg and Mysore (Karnataka), Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu), Sri Lanka
- Focus on sustainable tourism partnerships and destination connectivity.
New Cultural & Heritage Circuits
- New routes covering:
- Cultural landmarks
- Historical sites
- Spiritual destinations
- Supported by a calendar of festivals and cultural events.
Featured Tourism Product
- Kochi-Muziris Heritage Network
- Highlights Kerala's maritime history and spice trade links with West Asia and the Mediterranean.
- Showcases the state's rich cultural heritage.
Infrastructure & Technology
- Tourism infrastructure upgraded to be more accessible and barrier-free.
- Increased use of AI and digital tools for seamless information access, bookings, and travel planning.
Global Recognition
- Lonely Planet's "25 Best Experiences in 2026" included Kerala's culinary culture among the world's top travel experiences.
- Kerala was the only Indian state featured on the prestigious list.
Industry Outlook
- Tourism officials expressed confidence in higher visitor arrivals during the festive season.
- Strong response to promotional campaigns and new tourism products is expected to drive growth.
Key Takeaway
Kerala is leveraging new tourism products, cultural circuits, digital innovation, and policy reforms to attract higher domestic and international tourist footfall during the upcoming festive travel season.
