Kerala’s tourism sector and enhance its global competitiveness, the State government has reiterated its commitment to the industry
In order to strengthen Kerala’s tourism sector and enhance its global competitiveness, the State government has reiterated its commitment to the industry, which contributes over 11 pc to the State’s economy.
Kerala Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh says that comprehensive development initiatives and marketing strategies will be taken up in consultation with stakeholders.
Vishunadh was speaking at a conclave organised by the Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry (CKTI). The Minister emphasised the importance of private investment in the sector and highlighted that entrepreneurs have played a key role by investing billions of rupees and contributing significantly to economic growth and employment generation.
According to the Minister, comprehensive development initiatives and marketing strategies will be formulated and implemented in immediate consultation with tourism entrepreneurs and industry associations to further strengthen the sector.
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Stakeholders from across the tourism industry of Kerala had gathered to discuss key challenges and reforms required to boost Kerala’s tourism competitiveness.
CKTI (Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry) President E M Najeeb called for urgent policy reforms and increased government investment in the sector. He urged the State government to allocate INR 5,000 millionin the upcoming State Budget to help restore Kerala’s declining international standing and shrinking market share, he said.
The tourism sector contributes approximately INR 480 billion to the State’s GDP and at least 3 to 5 pc of this contribution should be reinvested into tourism development, such investment could help push the sector’s growth rate from the current 4 pc back to 15 pc, levels seen in earlier years, the Minister highlighted.
Najeeb also referred to intensifying competition in both domestic and international markets and proposed the creation of a dedicated Kerala Tourism Promotion Board, modelled on similar international bodies. He said such a body would enable more effective global marketing, attract greater private investment, and increase tourist arrivals.
Tourism Director and Secretary of the Cultural Affairs Department M Anjana said that plans were underway to strengthen the sector through closer coordination between tourism, culture, and film, aimed at developing a more integrated promotional strategy for the State.
