THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister PA Muhammad Riyas informed that there has been a record increase in the number of domestic tourists in the state. In 2023, 2,18,71,641 people from within the country visited Kerala, which is 15.92 percent more than the previous year, he said in a press conference. In 2022, 1,88,67,414 domestic tourists arrived in Kerala.

Domestic tourist arrivals increased by 18.97 percent in 2023 compared to pre-Covid figures. Ernakulam district had the highest number of tourists. Idukki, Thiruvananthapuram and Wayanad districts also saw an increase.

In 2022, 3,45,549 foreign tourists arrived in Kerala, increasing to 6,49,057 in 2023. There was an increase of 87.83 percent in the arrival of foreign tourists. The minister said that it is hoped that this too will soon be brought to the pre-Covid situation.

Ernakulam is also the district with the highest number of foreign tourists. In 2023, 2,79,904 foreigners came to the district. The minister said that Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts are in the next positions.