Kerala lures record number of domestic and foreign tourists: Ernakulam top destination

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has been one of the most favoured destinations for domestic tourists in the last few years. The tourism department recently revealed that the state has hosted a record number of domestic tourists this season. Minister P A Muhammad Riyas said that around 2,18,71,641 domestic tourists visited Kerala in 2023. There has been an increase of 15.92 percent in the arrival of domestic tourists, compared to the previous years.

As per the official records, around 1,88,67,414 domestic tourists had reached Kerala in 2022. Compared to the numbers during the pre – Covid times, there has been an increase of 18.97 percent in the number of domestic tourists. Meanwhile, Ernakulam district welcomed the most number of domestic tourists in 2023. It is estimated that around 44,87,930 tourists have visited the various tourist spots in the district. Idukki (36,33,584), Thiruvananthapuram (35,89,932), Thrissur (24,78,573) and Wayanad (17,50,267) districts too fared well by hosting domestic tourists.

Interestingly, foreigners also find Kerala extremely charming and beautiful. In 2022, around 3,45,549 foreign tourists had visited the state. Meanwhile, it went up to 6,49,057 persons in 2023. This shows a spectacular increase of 87.83 percent. With 2,79,904 foreign tourists, Ernakulam district ranks first followed by Thiruvananthapuram (1,48,462), Idukki (1,03,644), Alappuzha (31,403) and Kottayam (28,458).