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Technology

Kerala plans AI-led digital overhaul of tourism sector

Source: The Hindu · 26 Sep 2026, 18:02 UTC

Kerala’s Tourism Minister, P.C. Vishnunadh, says the State is integrating artificial intelligence and digital tools into tourism to create a more connected, inclusive and sustainable visitor experience. The government also plans to support tourism start-ups, improve homestay management and use technology to strengthen destination infrastructure and services.

Kerala is beginning to integrate artificial intelligence and digital tools into its tourism sector as it seeks to build a more connected and competitive visitor experience, Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh said on Saturday. Speaking ahead of World Tourism Day, Vishnunadh said the State wanted to move beyond promoting individual destinations and products through separate packages.

Instead, it aims to offer visitors a broader Kerala experience through an integrated tourism ecosystem. The Tourism Department is working with stakeholders to examine how AI can make tourism services “smarter, more inclusive and sustainable”, the minister said. He added that the technology could give tourism activities greater speed and scale in the domestic and international markets.

The government’s forthcoming tourism policy will place greater emphasis on these initiatives, according to Vishnunadh. He also said the decision to grant industry status to tourism would help accelerate the sector’s development. The State plans to introduce programmes supporting tourism start-ups.

Vishnunadh said Kerala’s existing start-up and innovation ecosystem would be encouraged to create technology-based solutions that improve the efficiency and speed of tourism services. He called for industry leaders to support young innovators through funding and mentorship. In his view, this could increase youth participation in tourism while helping develop new services for visitors and businesses.

Technology could also improve the management of destinations and tourism infrastructure, the minister said. He stressed the need for travel and hospitality services to follow best management practices and international standards, including barrier-free access. The department has already prepared a programme to help homestays adopt technology-driven management systems.

Further initiatives are planned to connect homestays and other tourism activities with AI and digital platforms.

About this report
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.
View the original source at The Hindu →