KOCHI: Ernakulam district has come first on the tourism map by attracting tourists with the beauty of its beaches and mountain ranges. The district is now the favourite destination for domestic and international tourists. Tourists coming to the state prefer to visit Ernakulam first. Fort Kochi, Cherai Beach, and Bhoothathankettu are some of the favourite destinations of tourists.
This is as per the project report titled Reports On Tourism in Kerala and Ernakulam released by the District Economics and Statistics Department as part of the National Statistics Day celebrations.
20 percent increase
22 percent of domestic tourists reached Ernakulam district from 2018 to 2022. Thiruvananthapuram is in the second spot. The number of tourists increased by 16 percent from 2018 to 2019. However, the tourism sector received a huge setback in 2020 due to the Covid outbreak. The number of tourists decreased by 270 percent compared to 2019. Later, it increased from 31 percent to 61 percent in 2021-22.
Domestic, and international tourists who reached the district (figures from 2018 to 2019)
Number of tourists who reached major tourist attractions (figures from 2018 to 2019)
Places of worship that attract tourists
Chottanikkara Temple, St. Francis Church, Pazhoor Shiva Temple, Malayattoor Church, etc.
Transportation
The accessibility of travel by air, rail, road, and waterways is a key aspect in drawing tourists. According to statistics from 2023, Kochi is home to more than 25 airline carriers that transport travelers to 31 foreign locations. Metro and water metro services also play a major role in attracting tourists.