Kerala’s tourism industry is gearing up for a buoyant Onam season, with advance bookings and demand for group tours showing a significant increase. After several years of disruption caused by floods, heavy rains and other natural calamities, tourism entrepreneurs are hoping for a strong festive season this year.
The government’s official Onam week celebrations are expected to add further momentum. However, weather remains a key risk, with operators warning that prolonged heavy rain could lead to cancellations of advance bookings.
Popular destinations including Munnar, Wayanad, Alappuzha, Thekkady and Kovalam are witnessing stronger demand than last year.
Advance bookings are up by an estimated 15 to 25 percent in several destinations.
Group tour bookings have recorded a noticeable increase.
Onam week reservations at several resorts are already close to full.
Room tariffs in high-demand destinations such as Munnar have increased.
Favourable weather forecasts and the extended holiday period are encouraging more travel.
Satheesh Soman, a resort owner in Idukki, said group bookings have increased significantly this season and reservations for the Onam week are almost full.
The traditional surge in arrivals from the Gulf may not be as strong this year because of higher airfares linked to continuing tensions in West Asia.
However, tourism operators expect this to be partly offset by arrivals from non-Gulf countries.
Malayalis from Europe and other regions are expected to travel home in greater numbers.
Some travellers who postponed visits because of geopolitical uncertainties are expected to return.
Domestic tourists from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Delhi are expected to form a major part of the visitor base.
Young IT professionals and families are likely to take advantage of the extended holidays.
Hotels and resorts in Kochi, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry are reporting strong occupancy for the Onam period. Traditional Onam Sadya has become a major component of festive tourism packages.
Many properties are combining accommodation with:
Traditional banana-leaf Onam Sadya
Athappookkalam competitions
Vadamvali and other traditional games
Cultural performances
Family-oriented festive programmes
Special dining packages for non-staying guests
Some hotels are also reporting a sharp increase in advance reservations for Sadya, with demand extending beyond hotel guests.
Kerala is also seeing growing interest among international travellers looking to experience Onam celebrations.
Visitors from the UK, US, Germany and other overseas markets are showing interest in:
Traditional Onam Sadya
Vallamkali or snake boat races
Cultural performances
Traditional festivals and pageants
Tourism industry stakeholders say Kerala’s sustained promotional activities in overseas markets are helping strengthen the state’s visibility as a festival tourism destination.
Officials at KTDC Hill Resort in Munnar have indicated that reservations are considerably better than last year.
Tourism operators say Munnar, Wayanad, Alappuzha, Kovalam and Thekkady are among the destinations benefiting from the increase in advance bookings.
If the weather remains favourable, industry players believe the current booking trend could make this one of Kerala’s stronger Onam tourism seasons in recent years.
A strong tourism season could provide a significant boost to businesses that depend on visitor spending.
Key beneficiaries are likely to include:
Taxi and tourist vehicle operators
Restaurants and local eateries
Handicraft sellers
Small retailers
Traditional performers
Local guides and activity providers
Hotels, resorts and homestays
For Kerala’s tourism industry, the booking numbers have brought optimism. But the weather will remain the biggest uncertainty. If heavy rain persists in the run-up to Onam, cancellations could dent what is otherwise shaping up to be a promising festive season.