Kerala Breaks Tourism Records in 2025

In a significant milestone for India’s travel industry, Kerala logged a record 2.58 crore tourists in 2025 the highest in the state’s history, according to Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas. This marks a remarkable surge of nearly 3 million visitors compared to 2024 figures, underlining Kerala’s growing appeal as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international travellers.

Domestic Tourism Drives Massive Growth

The domestic segment was a major contributor to this record achievement. Kerala welcomed over 2.50 crore domestic tourists in 2025, representing a 12.46% increase year-on-year and 36.3% above pre-COVID levels a clear indicator of strong travel demand within India.

Some of the top districts attracting domestic visitors included:

• Idukki – 46.8 lakh visitors
• Ernakulam – 44.3 lakh visitors
• Thiruvananthapuram – 43.7 lakh visitors
• Thrissur – 31.2 lakh visitors
• Wayanad & Kozhikode – over 14 lakh each

These figures suggest that tourists are exploring both classic destinations and emerging hotspots across the state.

Foreign Tourist Arrivals on the Rise

While domestic tourism led the growth, foreign visitor numbers also recovered strongly in 2025. Kerala received over 8.2 lakh international tourists, showing an 11.3% increase from the previous year.

Major sources of international arrivals included the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, Canada, and Australia, with Ernakulam emerging as the top choice for overseas visitors.

Although international arrivals remain below pre-pandemic peaks, the upward trend reflects renewed global interest in Kerala’s scenic landscapes, cultural experiences, and wellness offerings.

Strategic Initiatives Boost Tourism Appeal

Tourism leaders in Kerala attribute this record performance to strategic planning and government support.

Key initiatives that helped drive growth include:

• Infrastructure upgrades- Improved road connectivity, especially National Highway-66, has made remote regions more accessible.
• Accommodation expansion- Renovation of government rest houses and expanded hotel facilities have enhanced visitor comfort across the state.
• Marketing campaigns- Targeted promotions and tech-driven outreach have amplified Kerala’s visibility in competitive travel markets.

Together, these efforts have strengthened Kerala’s travel ecosystem and helped generate sustained tourism momentum.

What This Means for Travellers and the Tourism Industry

Kerala’s record-breaking 2025 tourism figures not only reaffirm its global travel appeal but also point to evolving travel preferences:

• Domestic explorers continue to fuel growth with high-volume visits across seasons.
• International travellers are rediscovering Kerala’s unique offerings from backwaters and hill stations to cultural heritage and wellness retreats.
• Emerging destinations within Kerala are attracting increasing attention, driven by improved connectivity and curated travel experiences.

For travel businesses, tour operators, and hospitality brands, this presents fresh opportunities to innovate offerings, build specialised travel packages, and capitalise on Kerala’s rising global profile.

Final Thoughts

Kerala’s historic rise in tourist arrivals in 2025 reflects more than just numbers it highlights a resilient tourism ecosystem that has rebounded strongly from the pandemic. Whether you’re planning serene backwater journeys, adventurous hill station escapes, or cultural explorations, Kerala continues to set new standards as a world-class travel destination.