The state of Kerala saw a small but noticeable bump in tourism revenue during 2013, accruing Rs. 24,000 crore (nearly $4 billion) from visitors last year.
Kerala received about 11.5 million tourists, according to a report by the Hindu Business Line, but that number can be a little misleading. A visitor can be anyone who goes from one city to another, meaning that even if they’re travelling between cities in the same state, they get logged as a visitor.
But foreign visitors totaled at least 150,000, many of whom were reportedly high-end tourists who would drop around $100 per night at hotels around the state. The state’s renowned Ayurvedic treatment facilities were also a big draw, many of which require stays as long as two to four weeks.
Mainly for that reason, says the report, the average stay for tourists in Kerala went up to 18.6 nights per visit. Visitors are mostly from the UK, which is the largest market for Kerala tourism, but an increasing number are starting to come from the US, too.
For years now, the Kerala government has been ramping up its marketing efforts to bring in tourists, realizing the potential for income. Their work has paid off, as tourism now accounts for around 10% of the state’s total GDP – only remittance money constitutes more.
Kochi has long been the most popular destination in Kerala. The state’s wildlife and beautiful natural landscapes are an enticing draw for foreigners, both from within India and outside of it. Film production in the state has also increased dramatically in recent years, with huge movies like Bollywood’s Chennai Express and Hollywood’s Life of Pi shooting extensively in the state.
Kerala earned $4 billion from tourism in 2013
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