“Across India, the opportunity is enormous, yet only Kerala and Goa have meaningfully seized it so far.” – E M Najeeb, President, Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry
Arab tourists are an important part of Kerala’s tourism economy. Majority of Arab tourists seek premium and luxury travel, and Kerala is a capable destination, equipped with a large inventory of premium accommodation. Almost all major destinations across the state, including Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom, Thekkady, Wayanad and Kovalam, offer a wide range of five-star hotels, luxury resorts and wellness retreats that cater to the expectations of affluent GCC travellers.
Arab tourists, particularly from the GCC region prefer destinations that are family friendly, safe and culturally comfortable. While planning holidays to India and especially Southern India, they typically look for spacious family accommodation with interconnected rooms and private villas, availability of Arab dining options, premium transportation, and personalised and luxury experiences.
Kerala comes as an attractive destination for Arabs for its cooler climate and nature-based destinations such as Munnar, Wayanad and Thekkady. Middle eastern travellers seek premium shopping opportunities and wellness experiences coupled with flexible itineraries suited for multi-generational family travel.
E M Najeeb, President, Confederation, Kerala Tourism Industry notes that, “Across India, the opportunity is enormous, yet only Kerala and Goa have meaningfully seized it so far. Destinations such as Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad and Kerala’s coastline, along with Goa’s beaches and hospitality infrastructure, are already recording strong monsoon-season demand from Arab travellers, with many properties witnessing near-full occupancy during periods that were once lean.”
Arab tourists are particularly important for Kerala from June to September.
The incoming of Arab tourists during these months helps stabilise revenue for Kerala across the year. It further maintains the state’s presence as a year-round tourist destination.
Talking about Kerala targeting Arab tourists, Jihad Husain, MD, Gateway Malabar Holidays says, “An important factor is value for money. Arab tourists often prefer traveling during the summer and off-season months, when Kerala offers attractive hotel rates and premium experiences at highly competitive prices compared to many other destinations.”
“Kerala enjoys several advantages in attracting Arab tourists. The state has four international airports — Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kannur, which offer excellent connectivity with major Gulf cities. Kerala’s globally recognized Ayurveda and wellness offerings are increasingly appealing to Middle Eastern travellers seeking rejuvenation and holistic wellness experiences,” Husain added.
The Arab travel market represents one of the most promising growth opportunities for Indian inbound tourism over the next decade. The demand is real, the air links are in place, and the moment is right for India to engage this market with far greater focus and ambition.
Shreya Bansal is a reporter at TravTalk India, covering the travel and tourism industry. She brings a keen eye for emerging trends, trade developments, and the stories shaping the travel landscape. Through in-depth reporting and on-ground insights, she connects industry stakeholders with news that matters. Beyond travel, Shreya has a growing interest in the premium lifestyle space, particularly the world of fine jewellery and is eager to explore the craftsmanship, culture, and commerce that define luxury living.