Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Satheesan Unveils Plan to Make Kerala Global Tourism Hub
V D Satheesan said Kerala wants to attract more visitors from around the world.
He said the state’s beaches, rivers, backwaters, forests and history could interest tourists.
The government plans to improve roads and railways to tourist places.
It also wants to create cruise services, an oceanarium, a maritime museum, a Film City and a cultural park.
Officials hope visitors will stay in Kerala for three days to one week.
Satheesan also asked people to spend their Onam-season money in local markets.
He said this would help businesses and bring more tax money to the government.
The Onam celebrations will include thousands of artists and end with a procession on August 30.
V D Satheesan said the government would take steps to make Kerala a global tourism destination.
Plans include an integrated project linking ports, backwaters and rivers, along with cruise services and improved transport access.
The government also plans an international-standard oceanarium, maritime museum, Film City and cultural park.
Tourism sites are to become clean, zero-waste spaces, while beach, river and forest tourism will be promoted.
Onam celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram will run until August 30, featuring more than 340 programmes across 35 venues.
- Who
- V D Satheesan, the state government and Tourism Department officials; thousands of artists are participating in the celebrations.
- What
- The government announced plans to develop Kerala as a global tourism destination while inaugurating the official Onam week celebrations.
- When
- The announcement was made on August 24; celebrations continue through August 30, with Thiruvonam on August 26.
- Where
- The inauguration took place in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with celebrations planned across the state.
- Why
- The government aims to increase tourism, attract longer-staying visitors, showcase Kerala’s culture and geography, and boost economic activity.
- Tourism goal
- Transform Kerala into a global tourism destination.
- Proposed connectivity project
- An integrated project linking ports, backwaters and rivers, with cruise terminals and river cruises.
- Planned attractions
- An international-standard oceanarium, international maritime museum, Film City and cultural park.
- Clean tourism target
- Tourism destinations are to be developed as zero-waste and clean spaces.
- Thiruvananthapuram programme
- More than 340 cultural programmes across 35 venues.
- Artist participation
- Around 3,000 artists will work on programmes in Thiruvananthapuram, while more than 8,000 artists from across Kerala are expected to participate statewide.
- Celebration conclusion
- The festivities will conclude on August 30 with a procession from Manaveeyam Veedhi to East Fort.