Kerala foreign tourist arrivals stagnate while Sri Lanka surpasses pre-pandemic levels
According to The Hindu, Sri Lanka has exceeded its pre-COVID arrival figures despite global conflicts, while Kerala remains at 70 per cent of its pre-pandemic levels.
Foreign tourist arrivals in Kerala continue to stagnate, contrasting with Sri Lanka which has managed to surpass its pre-COVID arrival figures, according to The Hindu.
While Sri Lanka has grown despite adverse global conditions such as the West Asian conflict, Kerala has struggled to regain momentum. Even in 2026, Kerala achieved only around 70 per cent of its pre-pandemic arrivals.
Both destinations offer comparable tourism experiences, including tropical landscapes, spice-scented environments, tea plantations, and Indian Ocean maritime heritage.
Kerala possesses natural advantages such as backwaters located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. The state is also considered the cradle of authentic wellness tourism in India through Ayurveda therapies.