Tourism News
Tourism Minister Mr. P. A. Mohamed Riyas interacts with foreign tourists visiting Kerala during Onam
Tourism Minister Mr. P. A. Mohamed Riyas takes a selfie with foreign tourists visiting Kerala during Onam
Global Responsible Tourism Delegates Celebrate Onam in Kerala
Kerala’s Onam celebrations this year drew global attention as a group of Responsible Tourism (RT) leaders, researchers, tour operators, and academicians from across 15 countries joined the festivities through an eight-day Cultural Exchange Programme. Organised by the State RT Mission Society of the Department of Tourism, the September 4–11 initiative was launched at the suggestion of Mr. P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Kerala, to give international visibility to Kerala’s harvest festival while spotlighting its sustainable tourism practices.
The delegation’s itinerary blended cultural immersion with first-hand exposure to Kerala’s RT model. At Kottayam, the visitors were welcomed into village households with traditional floral carpets called Pookkalams, festive processions, and the Onasadhya feast. They actively participated in community games such as tug-of-war, musical chairs, and spoon races, and even joined in the graceful Thiruvathira dance. At Maravanthuruthu Panchayat, they explored the historic Thiruvonam Mattam street market, a living reminder of Kerala’s barter traditions, and purchased handicrafts made from coconut shells and traditional straw mats, underscoring the importance of supporting local artisans.
The highlight of their visit came in Thrissur, where the group encountered Pulikali, the famous tiger dance. Enthralled by the colours and rhythm of the performers at Swaraj Round, some delegates tried on the costumes and danced alongside the local artists. Prior to the event, they visited Sitaram Mill Lane to witness the painstaking preparations of the Pulikali troupes, gaining a deeper appreciation of the dedication involved in this folk art form.
In Thiruvananthapuram, the delegates had a special interaction with Mr. P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Kerala. They shared their impressions of Kerala’s landscapes, backwaters, and village life, describing the experience as both immersive and inspiring. The Minister observed that by taking these stories back home, the participants would serve as “brand ambassadors” for Kerala Tourism in their own countries. Ms. Sikha Surendran, Director, Kerala Tourism, and Mr. Rupeshkumar K. CEO, RT Mission, also joined the interaction, highlighting the importance of the programme in promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism.
The group represented a wide range of nations, including the UK, France, Germany, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Romania, Bulgaria, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh. This was the first time such a diverse RT delegation visited Kerala during Onam, and their itinerary also included tours of model RT villages such as Kumarakom, Aymanam, Maravanthuruthu, Perumbalam, Thrissur, and Thiruvananthapuram.
For the visitors, the programme offered an authentic encounter with Kerala’s cultural heartbeat, while for Kerala Tourism, it reinforced the state’s reputation as a pioneer in Responsible Tourism. By linking Onam’s spirit of harmony and celebration with sustainable tourism practices, the initiative showcased how local communities and visitors together can nurture heritage while promoting inclusive growth.
