Kerala Records Over 2.58 Crore Tourist Arrivals in 2025

Kozhikode: Kerala received 2,58,80,365 tourists from outside the state in 2025, the highest number of arrivals in its history, Tourism Minister P A Mohammed Riyas said on Monday.

Addressing reporters, Riyas said the figure marks a major milestone for the state’s tourism sector. Compared to 2024, Kerala saw an increase of 28,95,002 tourists in 2025. Domestic tourist arrivals rose by 12.64 per cent over the previous year and were 36.03 per cent higher than the pre-Covid period, he added.

Idukki district recorded the highest number of domestic tourists at 46,79,800 visitors. It was followed by Ernakulam with 44,29,899 arrivals, Thiruvananthapuram with 43,75,846, and Thrissur with 31,24,696.

The minister noted that tourist arrivals in North Kerala - from Thrissur to Kasaragod - earlier accounted for only six per cent of the state’s total footfall. In recent years, this share has increased significantly, indicating better regional spread of tourism growth.

Riyas said the achievement would give strong momentum to the sector. He recalled that when the LDF government returned to power in 2021, Kerala’s tourism industry was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. At that time, there were concerns that some tourism centres might shut down permanently.

To address the crisis, the government held discussions with stakeholders across the sector and prepared a phased recovery plan. “We had a clear roadmap for the revival of tourism once the Covid situation eased. That clarity has helped improve tourist arrivals,” he said.

He added that the government adopted several strategies, including greater use of technology, to strengthen the sector. PWD rest houses are also being upgraded to provide affordable accommodation for visitors.

With the completion of National Highway-66 works, connectivity across the state is expected to improve further, enabling more tourists to visit remote districts as well, the minister said.