Kochi, Feb 2: Kerala is set to draw up a comprehensive framework to position itself as a global model in tourism development, anchored in inclusivity, accessibility and sustainable growth, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said.
Inaugurating the conclave ‘Kerala for All – Tourism Without Barriers’, jointly organised by Kerala Tourism and The Hindu Group, he said the State is also developing innovative tourism products to match the evolving preferences of global travellers, while ensuring that tourism benefits reach all sections of society.
The Chief Minister said the proposed framework would be based on inclusive and development-oriented measures, aimed at making Kerala’s tourism sector both globally competitive and socially responsible.
He said the government’s vision is to ensure that all tourism destinations in the State—big or small—are equally enjoyable and accessible to all travellers, without barriers.
Vijayan said Kerala is actively working on a range of innovative tourism initiatives, including heli tourism, caravan tourism and seaplane services, as part of efforts to diversify offerings and attract new segments of tourists. These initiatives, he noted, are designed to align with changing global travel trends while strengthening Kerala’s position on the international tourism map.
“What is being envisioned is an inclusive and accessible tourism culture. The government’s vision is that all tourism destinations, both small and large, should be equally enjoyable for all travellers,” the Chief Minister said, underlining that accessibility must be integral to tourism planning and infrastructure development.
The Chief Minister emphasised that ‘Kerala for All’ is not merely a theme for a conclave, but a defining idea of Kerala’s development model. He said inclusivity in tourism reflects the broader social values Kerala has upheld over the years, ensuring dignity, safety and equal opportunities for all.
Highlighting the sector’s economic significance, Vijayan said Kerala earned ₹49,053 crore from tourism in 2024 alone, surpassing the revenue generated during the pre-Covid period. The strong performance, he said, underscores tourism’s critical role in the State’s economy and employment generation.
He also noted that Kerala has consistently taken the lead in promoting an inclusive tourism culture. As part of this approach, the State had organised a global women’s summit aimed at promoting gender equality and women empowerment in the tourism sector, he added.
Delivering the keynote address, The Hindu Group Director N. Ram said the world had witnessed Kerala’s inclusive approach during the Covid period, when the State ensured healthcare services and safety mechanisms not only for residents but also for guest workers. Progressive societies across the world, he said, view Kerala with hope and optimism because of this commitment to inclusivity and social justice.
Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General of Tourism, Government of India, said inclusive development should not be seen as charity or sympathy, but as a fundamental principle to be adopted by governments in all future infrastructure development projects. Kerala, he added, is among the leading States in the country with the capacity to effectively implement such an approach.
Vypeen MLA K.N. Unnikrishnan, Kerala Tourism Secretary K. Biju, Tourism Director Shikha Surendran, Kochi Mayor V.K. Minimol, Responsible Tourism Mission Society CEO K. Rupesh Kumar, Kerala Travel Mart President Jose Pradeep, The Hindu Editor Suresh Nambath, Chief Revenue Officer Suresh Balakrishnan and Head of Marketing Aparajita Biswas were among those present at the conclave.
Framework to position Kerala tourism as a global model on anvil: CM
