Kerala Budget: The budget announces industry benefits for the tourism sector

The tourism industry has reason to rejoice as the revised budget presented by Chief Minister VD Satheesan here on Friday emphasized that all the benefits provided to industries will be extended to the tourism sector. The state government has accepted the long-standing demand to declare tourism as an industry, the chief minister said.

The budget announced that necessary legislation would be made to make more land available for tourism in the plantation sector. Tourist centers and houseboat terminals built under the mega tourist circuit project in Alappuzha will be renovated and utilized.

A waste treatment plant will be constructed in Alappuzha to process houseboat waste. The Chief Minister also announced the project of a pilgrimage tour circuit connecting pilgrimage centers like Arthunkal Basilica, Ambalappuzha Temple, Kakkazhom Church, Mannarasala, Krishnapuram Palace, Mata Amritanandamayi Math and Ochira Temple.

A project with a master plan for the comprehensive development of an ecotourism center on Pathiramanal Island will be implemented. Along with this, a ropeway will be available for tourists from Mohama Jetty to the island. The Muziris Tourism Project will be further expanded to become India’s premier heritage tourism hub. The project will include living museums, heritage museums and boat trips along traditional waterways. A total of ₹19 crore has been earmarked for this project.

A new ‘Green Marshals’ project will be piloted in major tourist destinations including Fort Kochi, Munnar, Kovalam and Alappuzha. As part of the project, women will be trained and deployed as green marshals to promote cleanliness, responsible visitor behavior and environmental awareness.

In addition, Community Tourism Centers and Cultural Tourism Centers will be established to create employment opportunities while preserving the unique traditions, food culture and cultural heritage of Kerala. The concept of “Brand Wayanad” will be introduced. The government has also taken steps to promote tourism in Ashtamudi through the budget.

Women-led tourism initiatives, homestays and responsible tourism projects will expand across the state. The budget also announced applications for smart tourism, including artificial intelligence (AI)-based digital tourism platforms. Tourism Minister PC Vishnunadh said that the budget has taken into account many long-standing demands of the tourism industry, including granting status to the industry, in the initial phase.

Published – 20 Jun 2026 0:24 IST