Kerala Tourism shines at India International Trade Fair 2023

The pavilion showcased Kerala's rich landscape, backwaters, and cultural tapestry, offerin tourists a comprehensive package that includes beaches, mountains, backwaters, pilgrim sites including the Pathmanabha Swami Temple and Kodungalloor Juma Masjid, arts, festivals, waterfalls, monuments, and the renowned Ayurveda culture. The pavilion also highlighted Kerala's potential for medical tourism, showcasing the state's rich Ayurveda culture. The Kerala Tourism Pavilion has successfully turned the spotlight on the enchanting beauty and diverse offerings of "God's own country" at the India-International Trade Fair (IIFT) 2023 in New Delhi. From caravan tourism to destination weddings, Kerala stands out as an affordable and multifaceted destination for global travellers. The pavilion showcased Kerala's rich landscape, backwaters, and cultural tapestry, offering tourists a comprehensive package that includes beaches, mountains, backwaters, pilgrimage sites including the Pathmanabha Swami Temple and Kodungalloor Juma Masjid, arts, festivals, waterfalls, monuments, and the renowned Ayurveda culture.The 34 picturesque backwaters of Kerala, connected to the sea through estuaries, took center stage. Visitors were enticed with the promise of unforgettable backwater cruises on boats and houseboats, providing a unique opportunity to savor Kerala's delectable cuisine. The pavilion highlighted Kerala's potential for medical tourism, showcasing the state's rich Ayurveda culture. It also emphasised regional tourism, focusing on rural areas, agricultural activities, monsoon tourism, and caravan tourism. New York Times Magazine declared Kerala the best wedding destination of 2023, and the state's first destination wedding center near Shankhumukham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram, was unveiled, signaling Kerala's emergence as a sought-after wedding locale. The Kanthallur panchayat in Idukki district also received a gold medal in responsible tourism, further boosting the state's global appealWhile exploring the Kerala Tourism Pavilion, honeymooners Raj and Manisha from Delhi said they were impressed by the romantic charm and diverse offerings of Kerala. Raj exclaimed, "This place is a dream for newlyweds like us. The backwaters and the wedding destination options are simply breathtaking." Manisha added, "Kerala is indeed the best wedding destination of 2023, as declared by the New York Times Magazine. We're already planning our return for our anniversary!" With the largest number of five-star hotels in India, Kerala boasts 46 such establishments, reflecting the state's commitment to providing topnotch hospitality. Record increases in room bookings and a surge in domestic tourists during the first nine months of 2023 affirm Kerala's popularity. Soaring Tourism Numbers Statistics revealed a record-breaking influx of domestic tourists to Kerala, with 1.59 crore arrivals in the first nine months of 2023, signifying a remarkable increase of 25.88 lakh people compared to the previous year. Among the intrigued visitors was 30-year-old Priya Talwar, a solo traveller from Delhi. She shared her excitement, saying, "I've always heard about Kerala's beauty, and now, being here, it's even more enchanting than I imagined. The pavilion's showcase of cultural experiences and the emphasis on responsible tourism has convinced me to extend my stay and explore more. Kerala is truly a gem!"