Kerala has secured the second position in Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards 2025, ranking among India’s most welcoming regions. This marks an improvement from last year when the state held the third position. The rankings were determined based on millions of traveller reviews, evaluating hospitality, travel experiences, and overall guest satisfaction.
In addition to the regional ranking, Kerala’s destinations stood out in the ‘Most Welcoming Cities’ category. Three locations—Mararikulam, Thekkady, and Alappuzha—earned spots in India’s top 10 most welcoming cities. Within Kerala, Munnar and Varkala also emerged as highly preferred destinations, reflecting the state’s commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences.
Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas expressed pride in this recognition, emphasizing that it reinforces Kerala’s status as a leading global travel destination. He credited the state’s natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality for attracting visitors from across the world. Tourism Secretary K Biju echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Kerala’s increasing popularity among both domestic and international travellers, particularly those seeking relaxation, adventure, and entertainment.
Tourism Director Sikha Surendran added that this recognition acknowledges Kerala’s efforts in introducing innovative tourism products and services tailored to evolving traveller preferences. She noted that Kerala has successfully adapted its tourism strategies to offer unique and immersive experiences.
According to Booking.com’s survey, 15,674 establishments across India were recognised in 2025, with 7,919 falling under the ‘Homes’ category. Compared to last year’s 13,348 recognitions, this increase highlights the growing focus on hospitality. The survey also revealed that hotels remain the most preferred accommodation choice (5,709 listings), followed by homestays (2,438), apartments (1,651), resorts (1,172), and guesthouses (1,160).
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, praised Kerala as a model of hospitality in India. He emphasized that the state’s serene beaches, backwaters, and rich cultural landscape make it an ideal destination for travellers seeking authentic experiences.
With this latest accolade, Kerala continues to strengthen its position as a must-visit destination, setting new benchmarks in sustainable tourism and world-class hospitality.
