Keralam initiates steps to accord industrial status to tourism sector, draft policy submitted to Cabinet

Tourism and Culture Minister P.C. Vishnunadh speaking at the inauguration of the Tourism department’s ‘Brand Wayanad’ project and the Responsible Tourism Mission Society’s ‘Life Experience Trails’ initiative at Vythiri in Wayanad on October 6. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT The State government has initiated steps to accord industrial status to the tourism sector, with the draft policy submitted for Cabinet approval, Tourism and Culture Minister P.C. Vishnunadh has said.Speaking at the inauguration of the Tourism department’s ‘Brand Wayanad’ project and the Responsible Tourism Mission Society’s ‘Life Experience Trails’ initiative at Vythiri Village Resort in Wayanad on Tuesday (October 6, 2026), the Minister said the government would take steps to make tourism activities more vibrant in the Malabar region.He said that ‘Brand Wayanad’, being implemented as part of the State government’s 100-day action plan, aimed to showcase Wayanad to the world by bringing together its natural beauty, agriculture, adventure, farm and heritage tourism, historical sites, diverse cuisine, arts and handicrafts.The Minister said a ‘Brand Wayanad’ event, which would be attended by Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others, would be organised in New Delhi by December.Mr. Vishnunadh said the development of tourism in districts such as Malappuram and Kozhikode was also part of the broader ‘Brand Wayanad’ initiative. The government’s policy is to collaborate with other tourist destinations in the country rather than compete with them. As part of this approach, joint tourism circuits involving destinations with similar characteristics, including destinations like Coorg and Mysuru in Karnataka and countries like Sri Lanka, are being considered.As part of Kerala Tourism’s promotional activities, the State’s traditional art forms and tableaux will be presented at this year’s Mysuru Dasara. From next year, Onam celebrations will be made a major tourism event on the lines of the Mysuru Dasara and the Hornbill Festival in the Northeast, Mr. Vishnunadh said.“Keralam’s tourism sector is moving in the right direction and is poised to grow to twice its present size,” he said.The Minister said the government had decided to provide specialised training to homestay operators to help them become more efficient and successful entrepreneurs.The government would take steps to modernise Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) establishments and make them profitable, he said.Mr. Vishnunadh launched the Wayanad-Thirunelli Trail and the Coffee Trail, which includes Chekadi, as part of the ‘Life Experience Trails’ initiative. Published - October 06, 2026 07:16 pm IST