THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government will implement an integrated tourism project aimed at leveraging the tourism potential of the state’s diverse coastal, river, lake and mountain regions, Chief Minister Shri V. D. Satheesan said.

The Chief Minister made the announcement while inaugurating the state-level Onam Tourism Week celebrations organised by the Kerala Tourism Department at Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday.

The week-long celebrations, being held until August 30, will showcase the richness of Kerala’s classical, folk and ethnic art traditions to a wider audience, including domestic and international tourists.

Highlighting Kerala’s geographical and natural diversity, the Chief Minister said the state has a coastline stretching for around 600 kilometres, 44 rivers and the Western Ghats, offering a wide range of landscapes and tourism possibilities despite Kerala’s relatively small geographical area.

The government’s objective is to position Kerala as a global tourism destination, attracting visitors from across the world. The proposed integrated tourism project is expected to bring together the tourism potential of different geographical regions and create a more comprehensive visitor experience.

The Chief Minister also outlined plans to strengthen tourism-related infrastructure and connectivity. Kerala intends to develop facilities for cruise terminals and cruise ships, while improving water, road and rail connectivity in the coming years to provide better travel experiences for visitors.

Another major tourism initiative in the pipeline is an international maritime museum, which is proposed to showcase Kerala’s rich maritime history and heritage. The project is expected to add another dimension to the state’s cultural and heritage tourism offerings.

Emphasising the importance of increasing the duration and value of tourist visits, Shri Satheesan said Kerala should offer experiences that encourage visitors to stay for three to seven days and spend more during their stay. Longer stays and higher tourist spending, he noted, would contribute not only to the growth of the tourism sector but also to the wider financial situation of the state.

The Onam Tourism Week celebrations provide a major platform for showcasing Kerala’s cultural heritage during the festive season. Programmes featuring traditional art forms and cultural performances are being organised to offer visitors a closer experience of Kerala’s diverse traditions.

The government's proposed integrated approach signals a broader vision for Kerala tourism, bringing together the state's natural landscapes, waterways, coastal attractions, cultural heritage and transportation infrastructure to create more diverse and extended tourism experiences.