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Tourism Department

Kerala Tourism Department

The present Department of Tourism had its beginning in the State Guest Department of the erstwhile Travancore State and Hospitality Organization of the Cochin State. In Travancore, the State Guest Department had been functioning since 1930. Till the re-organization of States in 1948, the State Guest Department of Travancore State and Hospitality Department of Cochin State continued as such. Later, after the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two separate organizations were combined as Tourist Department in 1958.This Department continues to be the Government agency responsible for looking after the comforts of Guests of the Government. It also functions as the Estate Office so far as accommodation of VIPs like Ministers are concerned. Their conveyance needs are also managed by the Tourist Department. Although the Department continues to handle the hospitality function of the State,more emphasis is now given to Promotion, Planning and Development of Tourism. In 1981 it was again re-named as Department of Tourism.The Department of Tourism has three major function such as (i)Hospitality wing of the State Government (ii) Estate Office duty and(iii) Tourism Development. The activities under Tourism Development head can be broadly classified into three categories such as: (a). Marketing & Promotion, (b). Planning & Development. and (c). Support to other agencies.

Tourism Department Organization:

The Department is headed by the Director (IAS cadre) and supported by two Additional Directors – one Additional Director (General- IAS cadre) and the other Additional Director (Hospitality – Non – IAS cadre). The Additional Director (General) is assisting the Director in all matters of the Department whereas the Additional Director (Hospitality) looks after the Hospitality wing only.There are three Joint Directors in the Department one at the Directorate and the other two at the Regional Offices, Ernakulam and Kozhikode. The Joint Director at the Directorate is looking after the Estate Office duty.An Administrative officer and Finance Officer from Government Secretariatare looking after all administrative matters and financial matters respectively. Planning Section is headed by Planning Officer on deputation basis. Maintenance of vehicles and providing vehicles to State Ministers and State Guests are being monitored by an Executive Engineer from PWD (Mechanical) on deputation basis. There are 3 Deputy Directors at Directorate.The publicity wing is headed by a Deputy Director and assisted by a Tourist Information Officer. Accounts department is managed by a Deputy Director functioning as Drawing and Disbursing Officer.The Department has Offices in all the districts of which six are headed by Deputy Directors and eight by Tourist Information Officers.There are fifteen Information Offices within the State and four outside the State. All these offices are concentrating very effectively in marketing Kerala Tourism.

Notable Function of Tourism Department

1) Hospitality Wing :

• The Department provides accommodation and transport to the State Guests including VVIPs and VIPs. Maintains 24 Guest Houses at Kovalam,Thiruvananthapuram,Ponmudi, Attingal, Varkala, Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Aluva, Devikulam, Munnar, Peermade, Cheruthuruthy,Idukki,Thrissur, Guruvayoor, Malampuzha, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Sulthan Battery, Kannoor, Kasargod,Yathri Nivas at Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam and Kerala House at Kanyakumari and New Delhi.
• All reservations to these establishments except Yatri Nivas,Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi are made through GAD (Political) Govt.Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram.
• The Department of Tourism has a fleet of cars of various models and brands to provide transport to the guests as well as the Ministers,Speaker, Leader of Opposition, etc.

2) Estate Office Duty :

• It is the responsibility of the Department of Tourism to provide furnished Residential Bunglows to the Ministers, Leader of Opposition, Chief Whip, Speaker etc.
• The transport facility is also provided to the above by the Department of Tourism.

3) Tourism Development :

• A shift in the emphasis from Hospitality Management to Tourism Planning, Development & Marketing was the major change the Department witnessed in the 1980s.
• The Budget pattern underwent a sea change by the 1990s to provide more for Tourism Development.
• Effective marketing and promotional measures are essential to attract tourists and to highlight Kerala as a distinct destination.
• Private sector investment needs encouragement from the Government.
• Department is providing assistance to District Tourism Promotion Councils (DTPCs) in all the districts.
• New destinations are being identified and various schemes are being implemented to develop them as important tourist spots in the State.

Department Section:

Kerala tourism department important contact details:.

Shri. A. P. Anilkuma r

Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes and Tourism Room No. 397 1st Floor Main Block Secretariat Thiruvananthapuram Phone : 0471 – 2333833,2331685 Mob : 9447115677 Fax : 0471-2335266 E-MAIL : [email protected]

Room No. 157 Near North Committee Room North Block Secretariat

Shri. Suman Billa Secretary

Room No. 364 First Floor South Block Secretariat Thiruvananthapuram Tel : 0471- 2325992, 2518035 E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. M. S. Venugopal Deputy Director

Department of Tourism Government of Kerala Park View Thiruvananthapuram Kerala – 695 033, India Tel : + 91 471 2560436

Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala

Park View, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India – 695 033 Tourist Information toll free No:1-800-425-4747 Phone: +91 471 2321132 Fax: +91 471 2322279 Email : [email protected], [email protected] Official Website: www.keralatourism.org / www.keralatourism.gov.in

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Come, Let's Develop New Tourism Attractions

The Department of Tourism has launched Destination Challenge project for developing potential tourism destinations in Kerala in collaboration with local self government institutions. The project envisages the development of at least one tourist destination under each local body through the local self government institution concerned. The Department of Tourism and local self government institutions will jointly fund the project.

During the post-Covid revival of tourism in the country, there has been substantial increase in domestic tourism putting pressure on existing destinations. There is also a rise in demand from various parts of the state for developing areas that has the potential to be transformed as tourism destinations.

In this context, the Department of Tourism launched the Destination Challenge project aiming to develop tourism infrastructure in the state with active participation of local bodies. The scheme aims to tap the importance of indigenous tourism and to link tourism activities in the state with various schemes of the local bodies so as to enable the comprehensive development of Kerala.

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Kerala Homestay  License & Classification Scheme

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Kerala Homestay

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  What is Homestay Classification Scheme and How?

 The Homestays Classification Scheme refers to the practice of providing accommodation or food and accommodation facilities to tourists visiting Kerala by the owners of private homes. To become a homestay provider, a resident of Kerala must have a minimum of one room (with two beds) and a maximum of six rooms (with twelve beds) available for tourist accommodation and submit an application to the Department of Tourism's Director.

Homestays offer tourists an opportunity to experience local culture, lifestyles, social systems, and people. It is a popular accommodation system and economic activity in the tourism industry. As the name implies, homestays involve staying in a "home" with a family, allowing tourists to mingle with local people, culture, lifestyles, and ideas. Homestays are a form of private home accommodation run like a small business by the homeowner, promoting cultural and natural tourism in a sustainable way.

 Cultural diversity is a crucial component of homestays, making them appealing to visitors. Homestay accommodation is beneficial for tourism development in rural, ecotourism, and cultural tourism. It provides the local community members with opportunities for active participation in tourism activities while meeting the accommodation needs of tourists. 

Guidelines for the Classification and Reclassification of Homestay Units

The Homestay Classification will only be issued in the name of the owner of the house.

 Operational accommodation units will only be considered for classification.

 Homestay classification will not be granted to leased or rented houses.

 Tourist accommodation will only be provided in a maximum of six rooms.

 Homestay classification will only be given to units where the owner and their family are physically present.

 An application for classification must be submitted to the District Officers of the Department of Tourism.

 An application fee of Rs. 3000/- must be paid to the Department of Tourism and submitted along with the application.

 An Inspection Committee will assess the facilities based on a checklist, and the classification will be awarded based on their recommendations.

 The Director of the Department of Tourism will issue the Classification/Reclassification Certificate for the units.

 The Classification/Reclassification will be valid for a period of three years.

 Requests for a change to a higher category will only be considered at the time of reclassification.

 The existing classification will remain valid until reclassification, provided an application for reclassification is submitted with the required fees three months before the expiry of the existing classification.

 The facilities and services provided will be evaluated against the checklist, and the classification units must maintain the required standards at all times.

 The Director of the Department of Tourism or a deputed officer has the right to inspect homestays at any time without prior notice.

 If serious deficiencies are found, the Department of Tourism may take action, including the cancellation of classification.

 Any changes in the facility or services provided by the unit must be reported to the Deputy Director of the District Office of the Department of Tourism within 30 days.

 If a unit disagrees with the remarks of the Classification/Reclassification Committee, they may appeal to the Director of the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala within 30 days of receiving communication regarding classification/reclassification.

 The Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala reserves the right to modify the guidelines, terms and conditions as needed.

 Homestays must display the Classification Certificate visibly to their guests.

 An application for reclassification must be submitted three months before the expiry date, along with the prescribed fees; otherwise, it will be considered a fresh application.

 Food must be prepared and provided to guests upon request.

 Proper and accurate C Form submission is mandatory and must be maintained in records.

 What are the steps to begin a homestay business in Kerala?

 How to start a homestay business in Kerala" is a commonly asked question by many.  A homestay business in Kerala requires you to follow certain guidelines and regulations set by the state government. Here are the steps to follow:

 Determine the location: Identify the location where you want to set up your homestay. Kerala has several tourist destinations, and you can choose a place that is in demand. Prepare the infrastructure: The homestay should have adequate space, amenities, and facilities to provide a comfortable stay for guests. It should also be aesthetically pleasing and reflect the local culture. Obtain necessary licenses: To operate a homestay, you need to obtain necessary licenses from the Kerala Tourism Department. You can either collect the application form for Homestay Registration from the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) office / Tourism Directorate or Regional Office (Norka Building, 4th Floor, Thycaud. Phone 0471 2335571) Thiruvananthapuram or apply online.  Meet the requirements: Ensure that your homestay meets the minimum requirements set by the government. For instance, you need to have a minimum of two rooms for guests and provide basic amenities such as clean drinking water, electricity, and sanitation facilities.

 Promote your homestay: Once your homestay is registered, you can start promoting it through online and offline channels. You can list your homestay on popular travel websites, social media platforms, and local directories to attract tourists. In summary, to start a homestay business in Kerala, you need to obtain the necessary licenses, meet the minimum requirements, and promote your homestay through various channels. 

What is the potential income from running a homestay?  (How much can I earn from homestay? )

The potential earning from a homestay can vary greatly depending on several factors such as location, amenities, size, competition, marketing efforts, and seasonality. While some homestay owners may earn 50k-80k per month, others may earn more or less than that. It's essential to do market research and determine the average rates of similar homestays in your area before setting a price. Providing unique and high-quality amenities and services can help you attract more guests and increase your income. Additionally, creating a strong online presence and marketing your homestay through various channels, such as social media, travel websites, and word-of-mouth, can help you increase your occupancy and revenue. Ultimately, the earning potential of a homestay depends on various factors, and it's challenging to provide a precise estimate without considering specific details. 

Would homestay be a profitable venture as a business?"  (Is homestay a good business?)

  Whether homestay is a good business or not depends on various factors, such as location, market demand, competition, and the quality of the homestay experience offered. If the homestay is located in a popular tourist destination with high demand for accommodations, and the homestay offers a unique and memorable experience to guests, then it can be a profitable business. However, if there is stiff competition from other homestays and hotels, or if the homestay is located in a less popular tourist destination with low demand, it may not be as profitable. It is also important to consider the costs involved in running a homestay, such as maintaining the property, providing amenities, and marketing the business. While the maintenance charges may be low, there may be other costs that need to be considered. Overall, the success of a homestay business depends on various factors, and it is important to do thorough research and planning before starting such a business. 

How to classify homestay in Kerala?  

To classify a homestay in Kerala, you would need to follow the government's certification process, which involves the following steps:

 Check if your homestay meets the minimum requirements for classification, such as having basic facilities like clean bedding, sanitation, and safety measures.  Apply for certification through the Kerala Tourism Department or a registered Homestay association.  A team from the Tourism Department will visit your property and evaluate it based on a set of predefined score criteria.  The evaluation team will assign a score to your homestay, which will determine its classification as either Class A (Diamond House), Class B (Gold House), or Class C (Silver House).  Once your homestay is classified, you will be issued a certificate by the Tourism Department, which you can display on your property to indicate its classification.  It's important to note that the classification is valid for three years and will need to be renewed after that period. 

• Department of Tourism

Department of tourism has taken measures for promoting and publicity of tourism. They have conducted major festivals and fairs, display advertisements in electronic and print media. The festivals conducted by the department include

Kerala Travel Mart

India International Boat Show

Mystique of Malabar

Nishagandhi Dance & Music Festival

Onam week celebrations

The tourism campaign of Kerala has been featured in CNN, BBC and Discovery Channel. The first tourist destination in India to be featured in Discovery Channel is Kerala. All these features have helped a lot to develop an interest in the tourists from various places. For promoting tourism, Kerala tourism has participated in various International fairs. The Department of Tourism has also participated in various National tourism fairs. Marketing through road shows have also been conducted. The use of Information technology has helped a lot in marketing through the use of website which features the various tourist attraction destinations in Kerala.

Many different projects have been put forward by the Department of tourism for developing the tourist infrastructure. It includes improving the tourist attractions at spots, creating new tourism products etc. They do this with the aid of Central and State government either directly by the Department of tourism or through local bodies.

The government has enforced the Kerala Tourism (Conservation and Preservation of Areas) Act 2005. This Act provides conservation, preservation and development of ‘Special Tourism Zone’ which is any area that is identified and declared as Special Tourism Zone by the government. The Department of Tourism has declared Kovalam, Munnar, Kumarakam and Fort Kochi as Special Tourism Zones.

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Mission 2030: Kerala govt to prepare masterplan to boost tourism sector

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government’s has plans to establish a comprehensive master plan, ‘Mission 2030,’ geared toward the advancement of the state’s tourism sector, Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas announced on Sunday. The plan, set to be formulated next year, aims to elevate the tourism industry to greater heights by the year 2030, as part of the Keraleeyam initiative, he said while presiding over a seminar held at the Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram on ‘Tourism Sector in  Kerala’ as part of Keraleeyam.

“Kerala has boundless potential for adventure and wellness tourism. Measures will be taken to enhance the tourism sector by efficiently utilizing government and private sector resources. Fundamental infrastructure projects will be devised for the advancement of the tourism sector. Approval has been secured to initiate a cable car service in Munnar,” Riyas said.

He further highlighted the increased activity of the advisory committee within the tourism sector. “Kerala tourism is undergoing a transformative phase, exploring new avenues distinct from the traditional pre-Covid practices. In response to the devastating impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry, the state introduced several initiatives such as dine-in car programs and vaccinated destinations. Consequently, the significance of safe tourism has been magnified. The implementation of bio-bubble measures has reinstated confidence, facilitating Kerala’s gradual return to the tourism landscape,” added Riyas.

In line with post-pandemic trends, the state has actively embraced the concept of ‘workation,’ with dedicated campaigns promoting Wayanad as an ideal ‘workation’ hub, particularly targeting IT cities such as Bengaluru. The Minister expressed confidence that events like Keraleeyam will play a pivotal role in attracting more tourists, thereby amplifying the tourism sector’s contribution to the overall economy of Kerala.

Renowned personalities from diverse sectors also shared their insights during the seminar. Santhosh George Kulangara, a member of the State Planning Board and an avid traveller, advocated for the transformation of rural areas into tourism hotspots, stressing the need for exemplary projects to promote tourism in these regions. Similarly, Jose Dominic, co-founder of CCG Earth, emphasised the significance of ‘Keralathanima’ as a critical asset driving Kerala’s tourism prospects, urging the state to harness this resource for future progress.

In addition, P M Warrier, chief physician and managing trustee of Kottakkal Aryavaidyasala, underscored the potential contributions of Ayurveda to the tourism industry. Baby Mathew, president of the Kerala Travel Mart Society, emphasised the importance of responsible tourism promotion and marketing efforts. Meanwhile, Pradeep Murthy, managing director of Muddy Boots, highlighted the considerable potential within the adventure tourism sector, emphasizing its capacity to generate substantial employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas.

The seminar witnessed contributions from various other prominent personalities, including Paithrukam Hospitality Group managing director P Sajeev Kurup, director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism Harold Goodwin, director of the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITS) M R Dileep, and State Responsible Tourism Mission coordinator K. Rupesh Kumar. State Tourism Department Secretary K Biju delivered a comprehensive presentation, while the role of moderator was expertly fulfilled by Dr. K S Chandrasekhar, a senior professor at the Institute of Management, Kerala University.  

Sector enhancement

Measures will be taken to enhance the sector by efficiently utilizing government and private sector resources. Fundamental infrastructure projects will be devised for the advancement of the sector

Approval has been secured to initiate a cable car service in Munnar, according to the minister. He also expressed confidence that events like Keraleeyam will play a pivotal role in attracting more tourists, thereby amplifying the tourism sector’s contribution to the overall economy of Kerala

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Tourism Club

Capacity building through Responsible Service

Tourism Club Kerala is the nodal agency formed by the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala to nurture and develop young ambassadors of Kerala Tourism by forming clubs in colleges across the state. It will pave the way for new tourism trends and create interest in travel among students....

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P. A. Mohamed Riyas

Minister of Tourism

Sri. Biju K IAS

P.B. Nooh IAS

Director of Tourism

State Nodal officer

Does your college have various talent teams?

Whether it's music bands, dance crews, or flash mob enthusiasts, we welcome all types of teams to step forward. The Tourism Club, part of the Department of Tourism, is dedicated to creating platforms to showcase your skills. Don't keep your talents hidden; express them with confidence. Come forward and seize the opportunity to shine.

For more details contact: +91 8593826434, +91 8089118782, +91 8281828188 or mail to [email protected]

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Tourism Club Kerala Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, Park View, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India - 695 033 Mob: +91 8593826434 , +91 8089118782

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Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala Park View, Opposite to Museums Compound Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695 033, India Phone : + 91-471-2321132 Fax : + 91-471-2322279 Tourist Information toll free No : 1-800-425-4747 Email : info[at]keralatourism[dot]org, deptour[at]keralatourism[dot]org

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