Kerala Registers ‘Record’ Increase in Tourist Arrivals in 2023

Kerala saw a record surge in tourist arrivals in 2023, rebounding impressively after the dual challenges of the deluges and the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the state Tourism Department. The state registered a total of 2.25 crore tourist visits, surpassing pre-Covid levels. This remarkable recovery includes 2,18,71,641 domestic tourists and 6,49,057 international tourists, indicating a significant “extraordinary comeback” as detailed by the department’s figures released on Saturday.

The tourism sector in Kerala had faced a steep decline of 72.77 percent in tourist visits during the peak of the pandemic and lockdowns in 2020. However, it began to recover in 2021 with a growth of 42.56 percent, despite the ongoing challenges. The momentum continued into 2022, with tourist visits more than doubling compared to 2021, surging by an impressive 152 percent. By 2023, the state witnessed a further growth of 17.22 percent in tourist arrivals.

Domestic tourism played a crucial role in this recovery, showing a consistent and significant increase since 2021. The number of domestic tourist visits jumped from 75,37,617 in 2021 to an impressive 1,88,67,414 in 2023, exceeding the previous high of 1,83,84,233 visits recorded in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. This steady rise underscores Kerala’s strong appeal as a travel destination and its successful efforts in revitalizing its tourism sector.