Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas expressed confidence that the Malabar Tourism Conclave, organised by Mathrubhumi, will serve as a significant milestone for Kerala’s tourism sector.

The minister highlighted infrastructure developments, regional potential, and government initiatives aimed at transforming Malabar into a key tourism hub.

There is lack of basic infrastructure in Malabar

The Tourism Department’s vision is to ensure that tourists visiting Kerala explore all regions of the state. Currently, less than 10 percent of them come to Malabar. There are multiple reasons for this, but we have seen a notable shift in the four years since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, we are witnessing a phase of substantial infrastructure development. Malabar has two airports that can be effectively utilised. A six-lane highway is becoming a reality, and the Hill Highway project is also bringing significant changes. The Malabar Tourism Conclave will help showcase these developments to the tourism industry. I believe it will be a turning point, paving the way for Malabar’s integration into Kerala’s tourism future.

What are the future prospects for Malabar?

Like other parts of Kerala, Malabar is making steady progress in attracting tourists. With consistent efforts, the region’s tourism centres can grow substantially. Several destinations are already gaining popularity, and we’re seeing increased investment in the hospitality sector as well.

What steps is the government currently taking? Destinations like Wayanad and Bekal have strong potential for destination weddings, don’t they?

The government is committed to ensuring tourism development across all parts of Kerala. We have a coordinated plan specifically aimed at the growth of Malabar.

We’ve highlighted Malabar’s culture, culinary diversity, and traditional art forms in our promotional campaigns. Events like the Beypore Fest and Malabar River Fest have drawn even international tourists. We’ve organised special B2B meets for Malabar and hosted familiarisation (FAM) trips. Vloggers from various linguistic backgrounds were brought in to promote the region's attractions.

Wayanad has emerged as a major tourist destination. We're creating a network of beach tourism centres, including Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach and the Beypore-Chaliyam stretch, with plans to upgrade them to international standards.

We’re also implementing heritage tourism projects in Thalassery, Kozhikode, and Ponnani. The Malanad-Malabar River Tourism project aims to harness the region's rivers for tourism. The Malabar Literary Circuit is expected to be a game-changer. When it comes to destination weddings, Bekal and Wayanad are already making impressive strides. We’ve also developed several previously unknown tourism spots.

Despite the challenges following COVID, Kerala’s tourism sector has received international recognition. How did this recovery happen?

COVID dealt a severe blow to Kerala’s tourism sector. But through well-planned initiatives, we not only recovered but also made significant progress. The sector has been reshaped in alignment with global tourism trends.

We recently organised the MICE-Destination Wedding Conclave in Kochi — the first such event in the country. These efforts are the result of bringing all stakeholders together.

Kerala is now establishing itself as a global model for sustainable tourism development. We are building a positive public atmosphere, reinforced by the warmth and hospitality that Keralites are known for. It’s this collective effort that has earned Kerala widespread recognition in the tourism world.