How Thiruvananthapuram became the fastest-growing city for foreign tourists in India

Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram has become India’s fastest-growing city for international visitors, jumping 11 places in global rankings from 33rd in 2024 to 22nd in 2025, according to a report by Agoda.

Thiruvananthapuram’s rising appeal

Thiruvananthapuram’s surge as a foreign tourist hotspot is credited to its combination of scenic beaches, Ayurvedic wellness retreats, centuries-old temples, heritage sites, and easy access to Kerala’s backwaters and hill stations. These factors have made the coastal capital increasingly attractive to international travellers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation.

For domestic tourists, Indore topped the charts as India’s most trending city, rising from 35th to 28th in 2025. The city’s growing popularity is attributed to its cleanliness, vibrant street-food culture, and heritage bazaars, reflecting a broader trend of Indian travellers exploring lesser-known urban destinations.

Rising destinations across Asia

Agoda’s data highlights that Indian tourists are diversifying their overseas travel choices. Almaty in Kazakhstan jumped 12 places to become the 35th favourite city, offering mountain vistas, adventure tourism, and rich cultural experiences. Other Asian destinations witnessing growth include Sapa in Vietnam, and Okayama, Takamatsu, and Matsuyama in Japan, along with Bandung in Indonesia.

Tourism is increasingly emerging as one of India’s key economic engines, generating Rs 2.3 lakh crore in foreign exchange earnings in 2023 and boosting the country to 8th place in global tourism rankings. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat recently noted that India aims to rank among the world’s top four tourism economies within the next decade, driven by infrastructure upgrades, heritage revival, and brand partnerships.

Government initiatives fueling growth

Schemes like Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD have focused on developing themed circuits and modern facilities at spiritual and cultural sites. Under the SASCI programme, the government has approved 40 new projects worth Rs 3,295 crore to enhance lesser-known destinations. Additionally, initiatives supporting homestays through Mudra loans, guide training programs, and GST cuts on hotel tariffs aim to make travel more accessible and affordable for both domestic and foreign visitors.