Kerala Tourism: Aiming for Pre-Pandemic Heights

Kerala is striving to boost foreign tourist arrivals to pre-Covid levels, while domestic tourism has already surpassed them. Despite some lag in international numbers, Kerala remains an enchanting destination known as 'God's Own Country', with efforts underway to enhance its global appeal.

Kerala, known as 'God's Own Country', is working diligently to revive its foreign tourism numbers to pre-pandemic levels, according to a senior official from the state tourism department.

The southern Indian state, renowned for its picturesque beaches, lush tea gardens, and enchanting backwaters, has seen domestic tourism exceed pre-pandemic figures. However, foreign tourist visits remain below 2019 figures, prompting efforts to boost international appeal.

In 2019, Kerala welcomed over 11.89 lakh foreign tourists, but this dropped significantly amid the Covid pandemic. By 2023, numbers rose to about 6.49 lakh, with 2024's first half seeing around 3.58 lakh arrivals. Officials are confident in new initiatives and marketing strategies to attract global visitors back.

(With inputs from agencies.)