From Bekal Fort to Muzhappilangad Beach and countless hidden gems that once were unnoticed, it is through reels, vlogs and raw experiences that these beaches, forts and hilltops have become familiar to people everywhere.

“To be honest, I never planned to become a travel vlogger. I started out by making videos for my travel company and created an Instagram page for the same. In the beginning, I focused on places that were not easy to find on maps or those that weren’t very well known.” Speaking at Tourism Conclave 25: Gateway to Malabar Tourism, organised by Mathrubhumi at The Raviz Kadavu, Kozhikode, popular travel vlogger Sreejith S shared his journey into the field.

Calling Malabar “one of the must-visit destinations,” Sreejith praised the region’s natural beauty and warm hospitality. But he also raised concerns over the lack of support from the tourism department.

“Kerala tourism is doing a lot of things but the department has not helped us in any way, even when we contact them, in the last 7 years of my journey, I have not received any reply from them. When they want to promote something like their programmes they contact us, but when we want something from their end, normally they don't respond and if you get a reply it will be very late. If the government includes vloggers in its discussions and initiatives, it will make a huge difference in promoting tourism,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of responsible tourism, reminding travellers not to litter and to preserve the natural charm of destinations. “It’s everyone’s duty to keep these places clean and beautiful,” he added.

Travel vlogger Piya spoke about the storytelling potential of Malabar.

“This region holds a treasure trove of stories waiting to be told. Through short, engaging videos, I want to showcase its hidden gems and share unfiltered experiences that capture its true spirit,” she said. “Beyond the landscapes, it is the warmth and hospitality of Malabar’s people that make it unforgettable – and that’s what I want the world to feel through my lens.”

From Rajasthan, travel vlogger Priyanka Deol pointed out the contrast between the two regions. “In Malabar, you have beaches and green mountains. In Rajasthan, even though we have forts, palaces and heritage sites, the greenery is always missing. That is what makes Malabar unique,” she said.

Talking about the influence of social media, Priyanka added, “In today’s digital age, just one viral reel or vlog can transform a lesser-known place into a must-visit destination. It sparks curiosity and drives travellers to explore beyond the ordinary.”

“Many people contacted me to ask how to reach these places and what to see. I even had people from the South reaching out for details,” she said.