19 June 2026, Thiruvananthaouram: The tourism industry has warmly welcomed the Kerala Government’s budget proposals aimed at strengthening the state’s tourism sector and enhancing its global competitiveness.
Commenting on the budget, Anish Kumar P.K., CEO of The Travel Planners, said that the proposal to develop Kerala as an aviation hub by better integrating the state’s four international airports is a significant step towards improving connectivity and boosting tourist arrivals.
“Enhanced connectivity through the effective utilization of Kerala’s four international airports will make travel more convenient for both domestic and international visitors. Improved air connectivity is essential for the sustained growth of tourism in the state,” he said.
Anish Kumar also welcomed the proposal to grant industry status to the tourism sector, describing it as a long-standing demand of tourism stakeholders. According to him, industry status will encourage greater investments in tourism infrastructure, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Kerala’s position as one of India’s leading tourism destinations.
“The tourism sector has immense potential to generate jobs and stimulate economic growth. Granting industry status will attract fresh investments and support the development of new tourism products and destinations across Kerala,” he noted.
He further pointed out that industry status would enable tourism enterprises to benefit from industrial-rate electricity tariffs, reduced property taxes, and easier access to finance. Tourism stakeholders, including hotels, resorts, homestays, tour operators, and other service providers, would be able to obtain loans on more favorable terms, facilitating expansion and modernization.
“The budget proposals will provide much-needed support to tourism entrepreneurs and help create a more investor-friendly environment. These measures will contribute significantly to employment generation, regional development, and sustainable tourism growth in Kerala,” Anish Kumar added.
The tourism industry believes that the combination of improved air connectivity and industry status will strengthen Kerala’s tourism ecosystem, attract more visitors, and drive long-term economic benefits for the state.
