Trivandrum: Scripting a record in domestic tourist arrivals, Kerala attracted 2,18,71,641 visitors from within the country in the calendar year 2023, registering a significant 15.92 per cent increase as compared to the previous year, Minister for Tourism, Shri P A Mohamed Riyas said today.
In 2022, Kerala registered footfalls of 1,88,67,414 domestic tourists. Significantly, domestic tourist arrivals recorded an increase of 18.97 per cent when compared to the pre-COVID year of 2019, the Minister told a press conference here.
In 2023, Ernakulam district witnessed the highest influx of domestic tourists with 44,87,930 visitors, followed by Idukki (36,33,584), Thiruvananthapuram (35,89,932), Thrissur (24,78,573), and Wayanad (17,50,267).
Kerala also witnessed a healthy increase in international tourist arrivals with 6,49,057 visitors in 2023, as compared to 3,45,549 tourists in 2022, indicating a remarkable growth of 87.83 per cent.
Ernakulam district was visited by 2,79,904 tourists from abroad, followed by Thiruvananthapuram (1,48,462), Idukki (1,03,644), Alappuzha (31,403), and Kottayam (28,458).
This record in tourist footfalls signified not just the stupendous recovery from the devastation wreaked by the Covid-19 pandemic but also a huge endorsement of the state’s high standing as an all-season experiential tourism hub. “This is a testament to Kerala Tourism’s vigorous efforts based on well-crafted policy initiatives and meticulously implemented promotional strategies within and outside the country,” Shri Riyas said.
The phenomenal resurgence of Kerala’s tourism reflected the resounding success of the innovative campaigns launched by Kerala Tourism both within the country and outside. “Kerala also made a mark by promoting the state as an all-season experiential tourism hub by adding new destinations, giving greater salience to adventure tourism and bringing in innovative ideas to reinforce the sector”, Tourism Director, P B Nooh said.