Gulf tourists are overtaking Europeans as key visitors to Kerala, with the GCC collectively accounting for about 136,000 foreign tourist visits in 2025, up from about 108,000 in 2024 - an increase of around 26 percent.

Oman was the standout market with 65,132 arrivals, up nearly 70 percent from 38,387 in 2024. Saudi Arabia followed with 31,593 visitors and the UAE with 26,255. Taken together, the six GCC markets generated more visitors than France and Germany combined in 2025. Oman ranked third overall among Kerala's foreign tourist markets, behind the UK and US, while Germany ranked fourth and France fifth.

Tourism Minister PC Vishnunadh attributed the growth partly to Kerala's changing approach to its monsoon season. "What was earlier considered an off season, now the monsoon has become a tourism product," he said, noting that many Arab visitors come to Kerala during the monsoon period. The state is positioning its greenery, cooler weather, nature, and wellness experiences as an alternative to the intense summer conditions in the Gulf. The minister also pointed to Ayurveda as a major differentiator, saying authentic Ayurveda can only be experienced in Kerala.

Despite the stronger Gulf numbers, Kerala's international tourism market has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The state recorded 821,999 foreign tourist visits in 2025, still 30.91 percent below the 1.19 million recorded in 2019. The minister said air connectivity remains one of Kerala's biggest constraints in growing international tourism, and the state is pushing for better connectivity through its MPs and delegations. Kerala also plans more roadshows across Gulf and Middle Eastern markets, and is looking to spread tourism beyond established destinations while connecting its cultural calendar with its tourism offering.

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