Kerala welcomed 2,22,46,989 tourists in 2024, marking a significant 21% increase from pre-pandemic levels, Minister for Tourism and Public Works P. A. Mohamed Riyas informed the State Assembly on Wednesday.
“This huge upsurge in tourist arrivals shows that in the last couple of years, the state has been erasing its previous record in arrival of tourists,” Riyas stated.
Discussing the newly launched K-Homes project, which was introduced in the 2025-26 state budget to expand accommodation options for visitors by utilizing unoccupied homes near major destinations, Riyas said the initiative will initially be implemented in Kovalam, Kumarakom, Munnar, and Fort Kochi.
“The K-Homes project will take the growth of tourism to new heights, as it offers the tourists a comfortable stay and a hands-on feel of local culture and cuisine. Special arrangements will be made for the implementation of the K-Homes project including online booking of stays,” said Riyas, who is also the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
This initiative is expected to enhance Kerala’s hospitality industry, with implementation planned within a 10-km radius of selected locations. Additionally, the state has formulated a program aimed at bringing women stakeholders in the tourism sector under a single platform as part of efforts to promote women-friendly tourism.
“So far, 17,631 women have registered under the project through the Responsible Tourism Mission Society. They include tour operators, homestay owners, drivers, and other tourism entrepreneurs,” Riyas noted.
Farm Tourism has also been identified as a key area for further development. The Responsible Tourism Mission Society has provided training to 952 units, with 452 units showing strong performance. Of these, 103 units have been listed on the RT Mission’s website.
Riyas highlighted that Kerala’s Design Policy has been utilized to ensure that tourist destinations remain both environmentally sustainable and aesthetically appealing.
Another major initiative that aims to boost the tourism sector is the Destination Challenge project, which is focused on highlighting lesser-known destinations and is being carried out in collaboration with Local Self-Government Institutions.
“So far, 40 such spots have been identified,” Riyas stated.
Additionally, campus-based Tourism Clubs have been engaged in the development, maintenance, and promotion of tourist destinations in their respective regions. A scheme has also been introduced to train students as tourism guides, equipping them with multilingual proficiency.
“Local Youth Tourism Clubs have been formed across the state, with the participation of local service providers like taxi and autorickshaw drivers,” Riyas added.
