Tourism and Hospitality

Tourism is a cornerstone of Kerala’s economy, contributing over 10% to the state’s GDP and employing 24% of the workforce. As India’s only Tourism Super Brand, recognized by the Super Brand Council, Kerala has firmly established itself as a global tourism destination. The state attracts approximately 2.3 crore tourists annually, drawn by its diverse and unique offerings.

Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission has identified and promoted several locations, focusing on sustainable tourism practices and enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the environment. The state is renowned for its breathtaking backwaters, rich biodiversity, and the Western Ghats, all of which contribute to its status as a world-class travel destination. Kerala also boasts an extensive and scenic coastline, further enhancing its appeal to nature and adventure lovers.

In addition to its natural beauty, Kerala is home to the highest number of five-star and four-star hotels in the country, making it well-equipped to accommodate a growing influx of tourists. This vibrant tourism sector continues to drive economic growth, create jobs, and position Kerala as a top choice for travelers from around the world.

Food Processing & Food Technologies

Kerala is widely recognized as the Spice Hub of India, known for its rich agricultural heritage and diverse spice production. The state is the second-largest producer of coffee, cocoa, and black pepper, and the fourth-largest producer of tea in India. This makes Kerala a key player in the global spice and beverage markets.

The state’s robust food processing infrastructure further strengthens its position in the sector, with five state-of-the-art Food Processing Parks, two Mega Food Parks, 14 food production clusters, and 10 mini food parks. These facilities are crucial in driving innovation and value-added processing in the food industry. Kerala contributes 20% of India's total food exports, underlining its prominence in the global food trade.

In addition, Kerala is home to 75% of India’s EU-certified seafood units, making it a major exporter of high-quality seafood. The state’s food sector benefits from strong industry-academia linkages, with renowned institutions such as the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), and the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) playing a pivotal role in research and development.

Kerala also leads the way in food processing innovation, with 31 registered Geographical Indications (GIs) – 17 of which are in the food sector. This distinction highlights the state’s unique agricultural products and further enhances its global reputation as a hub for high-quality food production.