Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal has said that the state's tourism department will see a 20% increase in its budget allocation, with renewed focus on developing health and spiritual tourism across the region.

He made the announcement while inaugurating ‘Lokom Kothikkum Keralam’ Vision 2031, a state-level tourism seminar organised by the Kerala Tourism Department at Marian College, Kuttikkanam on October 25.

Balagopal emphasised the importance of attracting high-spending domestic tourists and outlined plans to transform Kerala into a premier health tourism destination. He highlighted the state government’s commitment to supporting pilgrimage tourism, revealing that ₹250 crore has been earmarked annually for maintaining roads leading to Sabarimala.

Also read | Civil Aviation Minis

See Full Page