Kerala ranks second in India's 'most welcoming regions' list
Kerala has achieved a remarkable feat in Booking.com’s annual Traveller Review Awards, securing the second position in the list of India’s ‘Most Welcoming Regions’ for 2025. Last year, Kerala was ranked third in the same category. The ranking was determined based on factors such as travel experiences and hospitality, with the list compiled after evaluating millions of reviews from travellers.
Kerala shines in ‘Most Welcoming Cities’ category
In the ‘Most Welcoming Cities’ category, three destinations from Kerala—Mararikulam, Thekkady, and Alappuzha—made it to the list of India's top 10 most welcoming cities. Within the state, Mararikulam, Thekkady, Alappuzha, Munnar, and Varkala were identified as the most hospitable destinations.
Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas stated that this recognition is proof of the unique experiences Kerala offers travellers. He highlighted that Kerala continues to attract visitors from across the globe through its exceptional hospitality, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. He also emphasised that such accolades boost the state's efforts to maintain a prominent place on the global tourism map.
Tourism Secretary K Biju echoed this sentiment, noting that the award reaffirms Kerala's status as a key destination among international travellers. He added that Kerala is becoming a top choice for tourists seeking relaxation, entertainment, and adventure tourism.
Tourism director Sikha Surendran remarked that the ranking is a recognition of Kerala’s innovative products and projects. She stated that the state designs its tourism programmes by understanding the evolving preferences of travellers.
A total of 15,674 establishments across India were included in the recognition list, with 7,919 of them in the 'Homes' category. Last year, 13,348 establishments received recognition. According to the survey, domestic travellers showed the highest preference for hotels (5,709) when choosing accommodation, followed by homestays (2,438), apartments (1,651), resorts (1,172), and guesthouses (1,160).
Kerala sets an example in hospitality
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, stated that Kerala is a prime example of hospitality in India. He highlighted that the state's natural beauty, beach and backwater tourism, and unique cultural attributes make it an attractive destination for travellers.