After a challenging peak monsoon season, Kerala is all set to usher in the foreign tourist season in the State.
The season generally begins by mid-September and lasts until March. Though the climate change-induced weather aberrations has pushed the peak season to the period between mid-November and February, the foreign tourists start visiting the State as early as October. The change in the weather conditions in Europe and the extended rain conditions in Kerala are instrumental in pushing the peak season to the main winter months in Europe, according to industry insiders.
With Kerala witnessing an uneventful monsoon season, the hospitality sector here is hopeful of a good season this year even though the foreign tourists arrival has been in the doldrums during the post-COVID-19 period due to global uncertainties and other issues.
Speaking to The Hindu, Sajeev Kurup, general secretary of the Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industries (CKTI), said normally by mid-September, the bookings for the peak foreign tourist season would be over. However, during the post-pandemic period, the pre-booking trend has slightly given way to last-minute booking, mainly due to the exorbitant airfares and global uncertainties.
Close to 70% of the foreign tourists visiting the State come as part of the wellness tourism. However, the rise of Sri Lankan tourism has been posing a big challenge to Kerala as the authentic holistic treatment offered by the State at a rate of $150 is now offered for $100 by Sri Lanka, he said.
In leisure sector
In the leisure sector, countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, etc. have been putting up a stiff challenge to the State with simplified visa regimes as well as affordable and cheap tour packages, said James Kodianthara, former chairperson of the Kerala chapter of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).
In addition, the changing global geopolitics has been taking a toll on the prospects of Kerala. The recent Russia-Ukraine war has also affected the inflow of tourists. The wellness tourists to the State are mainly from the CIS countries, apart from a small segment from West Asian countries. The leisure segment is dominated by EU countries, the U.K., the U.S., and the Scandinavian countries.
Days spent
An average wellness tourist who comes to Kerala spends around 14 days for treatment alone, and the sojourn would be extended up to 30 days if it were coupled with a leisure trip, whereas a leisure traveller spends an average of five days here, visiting the South Indian tourist circuit.
The poor condition of roads in Kerala, especially national highways, and piteous upkeep of destinations are also challenging factors for the sector to stay afloat in the highly competitive segment, said industry insiders.
Published ā September 06, 2025 08:52 pm IST
