Idukki: Finance Minister of Kerala, KN Balagopal, announced a 20 per cent increase in the state budget allocation for the tourism department and outlined new initiatives to promote health and pilgrimage tourism across Kerala, on Saturday.

He made the remarks while inaugurating the 'Lokam Kothikkum Keralam' Vision 2031 state-level tourism seminar, organised by the Kerala Tourism Department at Marian College, Kuttikkanam.

Balagopal said the increased budget reflects the government’s focus on attracting domestic travellers with higher spending power and positioning Kerala as a leading destination for health and wellness tourism.

He added that Rs 250 crore has been earmarked each season for maintaining roads leading to Sabarimala, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening pilgrimage tourism infrastructure.

Highlighting new opportunities, the minister pointed to the state’s growing potential in cruise tourism and plans for international convention centres in key destinations.

Balagopal also revealed that the process of extending startup-style financial assistance for hotel projects with investments of up to Rs 50 crore is nearing completion.

He urged Kerala’s tourism sector to embrace technological shifts brought about by artificial intelligence (AI).

“Whether society likes it or not, AI is significantly influencing our daily lives and jobs. At this stage, soft skills like art and cooking, areas not impacted by AI, hold great potential. Tourism is the best sector to acquire and enhance these skills,” he said.

During the seminar, Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas unveiled the Vision 2031 policy document. Prepared by the tourism department, the roadmap sets out plans to develop year-round tourism supported by sustainable, environmentally conscious infrastructure, according to a press release.

Riyas stressed the importance of destination planning, noting that several tourist spots in the state are approaching their peak potential.

“On identifying such places in the next five years, we must upgrade them to international standards with cooperation from local communities. Such planning should be assisted by modern technology such as AI. Easy tourism should be Kerala's USP on the tourism map. We plan to expand popular tourism in a way that strengthens local employment and the economy,” he said.

He added that Kerala Tourism, as a global brand, now competes with top international destinations.

“Whether abroad or at home, there should evolve a situation where all Malayalis become brand ambassadors of Kerala Tourism,” Riyas said, adding that the state offers an unmatched variety of tourism experiences.

Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine noted that the government’s innovative initiatives in the sector have played a key role in boosting Kerala’s GDP.

Tourism Secretary K Biju presented the department’s achievements over the past nine years, while Tourism Director Sikha Surendran also addressed the gathering.

PTI inputs