From God's own country to honeymoon country

Kerala, known as ‘God's Own Country,’ is gaining attention as a prime honeymoon destination. Foreign tour agents attending the 12th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), aim to bring Kerala tourism to the front, on the back of Kerala's strong appeal for couples. 

Many travel agents report that honeymoon packages are among the most popular offerings in the State’s tourism sector. Many are interested in promoting Kerala’s romantic experiences to their clients back home.

Ms Veronica Rioseco, a tour agent from Nomades Chile, visiting Kerala for the first time, said she was enchanted with the State's tourist hotspots. South Americans typically visit the Golden Triangle (Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi), however, their interest in South India is growing. "Kerala's pristine beaches, beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and pleasant weather make it an ideal honeymoon spot," she said.

Another participant of KTM event, Mr. Diego Celma from Increble Mundo in Spain shared that many of his clients were couples looking for honeymoon trips. His special package allows couples to visit Kerala before heading to the Maldives. It includes adventure activities like scuba diving.

Spot on honeymoon picks

Munnar with its lush tea gardens, Alleppey's serene houseboat experiences on the backwaters, and scenic lakes and bird sanctuary at Kumarakom are some of Kerala's best honeymoon picks. Tour operators say Wayanad is perfect for nature lovers, while Varkala is the favourite for those who love beaches and cliffs. Thekkady offers wildlife experiences, spice plantations, while Kochi combines rich history with vibrant culture. The state capital Thiruvananthapuram offers both beach relaxation and cultural sites, making it an appealing choice for couples.

Sports tourism

Mr Peter Foster from ‘Those Travel Guys’ in the UK emphasized that wellness and sports packages that are popular in Kerala will attract more tourists.

According to the State’s tourism ministry, Kerala witnessed a record surge in the number of domestic tourists last year with as many as 21,871,641 people visiting the state. This accounted for a nearly 16% surge as compared to the previous year.

This year’s KTM event from September 26-29 in Willington Island, has witnessed the participation of 2,893 buyers, including 2,035 domestic and 804 foreign delegates from 76 countries.