Kerala has recorded the highest growth rate in domestic and total tourist arrivals in the last 24 years. The state welcomed 1.96 crore domestic and foreign visitors in 2019, demonstrating a healthy growth of 17.2 percent as compared to last year.

The total earning from tourism reached Rs 45,010.69 crore that was a 24.14 percent increase. The total number of tourists were 1,95,74,004. Of this number, 1,83,84,233 were domestic tourists and 11,89,771 were visitors from abroad. The growth rate in the influx of domestic tourists was 17.81 percent while for the foreign tourist arrivals, it was 8.52 percent. 

Highest growth rate in 24 years

“We have bounced back with great vigour after suffering unprecedented floods and torrential rains for two consecutive years in 2018 and 2019. This is the highest growth rate since 1996. Our figures show that there was a very significant increase in the footfalls from May 2019 and it prevailed till the end of the year,” an elated Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said.

“We are optimistic about sustaining the growth momentum this year also but it will depend on how quickly the world finds a solution to the problem of Coronavirus outbreak,” he added.

Additionally, the total foreign exchange earnings (FEE) from tourism crossed Rs 10,000 crore for the first time. It is presently at Rs. 10,271.06 crore. Rani George, Secretary, Tourism said: “We allayed the apprehensions of visitors by holding roadshows in our traditional and emerging markets. An important component of the roadshows was a three-minute video film, ‘Human by Nature’, our latest brand campaign that showed the state in a new light by creating symmetry between its people and natural beauty. The upsurge in tourist arrivals is a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of tourism sector of the state.”