Idukki leads Kerala’s tourism growth with highest foreign footfalls

Improved roads, accommodations & facilities drive increased tourist arrivals.

Amid a steady post-Covid surge in domestic tourism, Idukki has emerged as Kerala Tourism’s ‘golden goose,’ recording the highest rise in foreign tourist footfalls among the state’s 14 districts.

In a major boost to Kerala’s tourism sector, Idukki has recorded the highest growth in foreign tourist arrivals among the state’s 14 districts, marking a significant milestone in the state’s post-Covid tourism recovery.

In a press statement, Kerala Tourism says that the district’s improved infrastructure, accommodation options, and international-standard roads have contributed to its growth.

It adds that the inauguration of the new eco-lodge and renovated heritage guesthouse in Peerumedu, Riyas highlighted Kerala Tourism’s upcoming initiatives, including a MICE Tourism Conclave in Kochi and a Wellness Tourism Conclave in Kozhikode to promote new tourism products.

Kerala Tourism says that it is also implementing a ‘Look East’ policy to attract more visitors from East Asia. As part of this strategy, the state is collaborating with Malaysian Airlines to bring influencers and travel agents from eight East Asian countries, with Idukki and Wayanad expected to benefit the most.

It adds that Peerumedu MLA Vazhoor Soman stated that a tourism circuit linking Panchalimedu, Vagamon, Uluppuni, and Sathram is planned to boost the region’s tourism potential.

According to the statement the eco-lodge in Peerumedu, built under the Swadesh Darshan project at a cost of INR 50.5 million features two blocks with 12 rooms, a kitchen, and a dining hall, constructed entirely of teakwood.

It adds that additionally, INR 9.75 million was allocated for renovation, and INR 13.8 million for ancillary development, including a parking lot, fencing, walkway, garden, playground, and rainwater harvesting.

The statement adds that the Government Guest House in Peerumedu underwent renovation at a cost of INR 18.5 million covering the service block, water tank, parking shed, and conference hall. An additional INR 17.9 million was allocated for its functional operations.

According to Kerala Tourism, officials attending the event included Kerala Tourism Director Sikha Surendran, District Panchayat President Rarichan Neeranakunnel, and Kerala Tourism Joint Directors Rajeev GL and TG Abhilash Kumar.