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Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal, has called upon the tourism sector to adapt positively to the rapid changes brought about by artificial intelligence. “Whether society likes it or not, AI is significantly influencing our daily lives and jobs. At this stage, soft skills like art and cooking—areas not impacted by AI—hold great potential. Tourism is the best sector to acquire and enhance these skills”, he said. The Minister was inaugurating the ‘Lokom Kothikkum Keralam’ Vision 2031 State-level tourism seminar, organised by the Kerala Tourism Department at Marian College in Kuttikkanam. He said the budget for the tourism department has increased by 20 per cent and emphasised the importance of attracting domestic tourists with financial means within Kerala. The Minister also announced that the process of providing start-up model financial assistance for hotel projects with investments of up to ₹50 crore has reached its final stage. During the event, which was presided over by Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine, Tourism and Public Works Minister PA Mohamed Riyas presented the Vision 2031 policy document. Health tourism On health tourism, Balagopal said steps would be taken to establish Kerala as a hub. He highlighted the State government’s commitment to pilgrimage tourism, noting that ₹250 crore has been allocated to maintain the roads leading to Sabarimala each season. He pointed out the prospects for cruise tourism, international convention centres in major destinations, and other opportunities on the horizon. Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine remarked that the government has successfully implemented a creative action plan in the tourism sector, which has contributed to the growth of the State’s GDP. He noted that the Vision 2031 seminar is being held in Idukki to enhance the district’s tourism potential. Published on October 26, 2025
