The renovated building of Yathri Nivas at Devikulam near Munnar in Idukki. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Kerala witnessed an all-time record in tourist arrivals, PA Tourism Minister Mohamed Riyas said. While practically inaugurating the renovated Devikulam Yathri Nivas, Mattuppetty Boating Center and several Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects in Munnar on Friday, Mr. Riyas said the tourism sector has achieved a significant scale by overcoming various hurdles.
“Tourist arrivals in the state reached 2,58,80,365 in 2025. In a single year, foreign tourist arrivals have seen an increase of 11.33 percent. This growing number shows that our tourism sector is being accepted at a global level,” the minister said.
To further attract visitors, the tourism department has introduced several initiatives including destination weddings, destination challenge, biodiversity circuit, heli tourism, cruise tourism and caravan tourism. Heritage and beach tourism also remain major areas of interest, the minister added.
Mr Riyas also inaugurated the Idukki Yathri Nivas and the second phase of the Settlement Monument project in Idukki on Friday. The construction of the Idukki Yathri Nivas was completed at a cost of ₹9 crore, while an administrative sanction of ₹3.9 crore was given for the second phase of the Settlement Monument project.
The meeting was chaired by Minister of Water Resources Roshy Augustine. The ceremony was attended by, among others, the deputy director of the tourism department of Shine KS.
Published – 06 March 2026 19:25 IST
