Kerala Tourism is stepping up efforts to attract more domestic and inbound travellers during the Dussehra–Diwali holiday season by showcasing a diverse range of tourism products, curated travel packages and immersive cultural experiences. The state presented its latest tourism offerings at a business-to-business (B2B) partnership and networking event in New Delhi on Monday, highlighting Kerala’s growing appeal as an experiential travel destination.
The event, held at The Lalit New Delhi under the theme “A Wonderful World”, brought tourism stakeholders together to explore partnerships and promote Kerala’s attractions ahead of the peak holiday travel period.
Kerala Tourism Showcases New Holiday Experiences
Kerala Tourism Additional Director General Sumit Kumar Thakur, IAS, delivered a presentation outlining the state’s tourism strengths and emerging travel experiences. The promotional initiative focused on combining Kerala’s established attractions with newer products that allow visitors to explore its natural beauty, cultural traditions, heritage and local lifestyles.
Known for its beaches, hill stations and houseboat cruises across tranquil backwaters, Kerala is positioning itself as a destination where travellers can experience multiple attractions in a single trip.
The tourism packages presented at the event highlighted itineraries that connect different parts of the state over approximately a week. The approach aims to encourage visitors to discover more destinations rather than limiting their holidays to individual locations.
Domestic Tourist Arrivals Rise 10.98%
Kerala’s tourism promotion comes amid encouraging growth in domestic visitor numbers. According to the figures cited by the state, domestic tourist arrivals increased by 10.98% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
The increase points to sustained interest in Kerala as a holiday destination and provides an important backdrop to the state’s efforts to attract more visitors during the festive season.
Tourism officials expect the new packages, wider destination choices and nationwide outreach campaigns to support further interest during the upcoming travel period.
Kerala Tourism Secretary Biju K said the state was prepared to welcome additional visitors with new products and packages designed to offer a wider range of places and experiences.
Kerala Tourism Director Anjana M added that the department’s promotional campaigns across the country had received a positive response, expressing confidence that this interest would translate into visitor arrivals during the season.
Tourism Industry Status Expected to Attract Investment
Another significant development highlighted at the partnership event was the Kerala government’s proposed policy framework to grant industry status to the tourism sector.
The move is expected to create fresh opportunities for investment in tourism-related businesses, including hospitality, accommodation and travel services, while strengthening the sector’s contribution to the state’s economy.
Kerala Tourism Minister P. C. Vishnunadh said industry status had long been a demand of stakeholders and expressed the expectation that the decision would generate substantial investment.
The proposed policy is intended to reinforce Kerala’s position as a viable destination for tourism businesses while supporting sustainable development and improving the wider visitor experience.
Brand Wayanad and Regional Tourism Circuits
Kerala is also expanding its destination-marketing strategy through initiatives that showcase lesser-promoted locations and encourage collaboration with tourism destinations in neighbouring regions.
Earlier in October, the state launched the Brand Wayanad initiative to highlight the natural landscapes, heritage, agricultural traditions and cultural identity of Wayanad district in northern Kerala, which borders Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to promote tourism through partnerships beyond state boundaries. Authorities are exploring joint tourism circuits linking destinations with complementary attractions, including Coorg and Mysore in Karnataka, the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu and locations in Sri Lanka.
Such collaborations could help create more varied itineraries, encourage longer stays and give travellers additional reasons to explore multiple destinations during a single holiday.
Kerala has also identified new circuits connecting cultural, historical and spiritual landmarks. A calendar of traditional festivals and cultural events is expected to help visitors plan their trips around specific experiences and local celebrations.
Kochi-Muziris Heritage Trail Highlights Kerala’s History
Among the key attractions being promoted is the Kochi-Muziris heritage network, which showcases Kerala’s historic maritime connections with West Asia and the Mediterranean.
The region’s centuries-old spice trade played a significant role in shaping its cultural and commercial links with other parts of the world. Heritage tourism offers visitors an opportunity to explore these historical connections alongside Kerala’s architecture, traditions and multicultural influences.
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The state is also working to improve tourism infrastructure, with an emphasis on accessibility and making destinations more convenient for a wider range of visitors.
Digital tools and artificial intelligence are being integrated into tourism services to improve the flow of information and simplify travel planning, package selection and logistical arrangements.
Lonely Planet Recognition Boosts Kerala’s Global Appeal
Kerala’s culinary traditions have also received international recognition. In its report, 25 Best Experiences in 2026, global travel guide Lonely Planet included Kerala’s food culture among its featured travel experiences, identifying the state as the only Indian state on the list.
The recognition adds to Kerala’s efforts to attract visitors through authentic local experiences, including regional cuisine, traditional festivals and cultural encounters.
As the Dussehra–Diwali holiday period approaches, Kerala Tourism is combining established attractions with new itineraries, heritage experiences, regional partnerships and digital services to broaden its appeal.
The state’s strategy aims to strengthen domestic tourism, encourage investment and present Kerala as a destination where travellers can experience nature, history, culture and cuisine within a single journey.
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