Thiruvananthapuram, March 19, 2025 : Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized the need for Kerala to concentrate on developing one or two iconic tourism destinations while continuing to introduce new products to attract more visitors. Speaking at a meeting to review the progress of tourism projects in the state, Shekhawat acknowledged Kerala’s significant contribution to India’s tourism growth and assured the Centre’s full support for its initiatives.
Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas and Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi were also present at the meeting. Shekhawat highlighted the state’s potential for further growth in sectors such as beach tourism, Ayurveda, wellness, heritage, and pilgrim and spiritual tourism. He stressed that while Kerala has been a pioneer in introducing innovative tourism products, focusing on a few iconic destinations would strengthen its position as a global tourism hub.
Riyas urged the Centre to approve a special package for Kerala to promote Ayurveda and beach tourism, which he said would boost both international and domestic tourist arrivals and enhance foreign earnings. He also called for the Centre’s support in global marketing campaigns and requested reconsideration of its decision to skip the upcoming Arab Travel Mart, noting the Middle East’s importance as a key market for Kerala Tourism.
The meeting reviewed the progress of several major tourism projects, including the Pilgrim Tourism Circuit covering Sabarimala, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. Other projects discussed included initiatives under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, the PRASAD scheme, and developments in Thalassery, Beypore, Kumarakom, and Varkala Sivagiri.
Senior officials from both the Central and State governments, including Additional Secretary (Tourism) Suman Billa, Kerala Tourism Secretary K. Biju, and Tourism Director Sikha Surendran, attended the meeting. Surendran presented an overview of the state’s ongoing tourism projects, highlighting Kerala’s efforts to diversify its offerings and attract a wider audience.
The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration between the Centre and the state to leverage Kerala’s tourism potential and maintain its status as a leading destination in India’s tourism landscape.