KERALA’S VISION FOR SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE TOURISM: An Exclusive Interview With Minister Mohammed Riyas
Kerala is setting global benchmarks in sustainable tourism under the leadership of Tourism Minister Mohammed Riyas. The state’s Responsible Tourism (RT)
Mission uplifts local communities and promotes eco-friendly travel. With
initiatives like coastal tourism upgrades, adventure events, and improved
air connectivity, Kerala aims to attract diverse travel segments, including
destination weddings and wellness tourism. Prioritizing women’s safety,
infrastructure development, and innovation, the state envisions becoming
a global leader in beach tourism, adventure sports, and wellness, driving
economic growth and creating jobs.
Kerala has long been a frontrunner in sustainable tourism, setting global benchmarks with its Responsible Tourism (RT) initiatives. From eco-friendly policies to innovative tourism projects, the state continues to push boundaries, making it a top destination for both domestic and international travelers. In an exclusive conversation, Kerala’s Tourism Minister, Mr. Mohammed Riyas, shares his vision for the future of Kerala’s tourism, the role of responsible travel, and how the state is enhancing its infrastructure to make tourism more inclusive and accessible.
Mohammed Riyas
A Commitment to
Responsible Tourism
Minister Mohammed Riyas believes that Kerala’s tourism growth must be sustainable and community-driven. “Tourism is not just about attracting visitors; it should also uplift local communities. That’s where our Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission plays a crucial role,” he says.
The RT Mission connects local artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs with the tourism industry, ensuring that tourism benefits extend to the grassroots level. The initiative also focuses on waste management, green certification for destinations, and the ‘No Plastic During Travel’ campaign—an effort to reduce plastic waste and encourage sustainable travel practices.
“Over 1,200 hotels and resorts, along with 240 travel agents, have signed the Certificate of Association under the RT Mission, committing to responsible tourism principles. It’s a collaborative effort where businesses, tourists, and local communities come together to create a sustainable travel experience,” Mr. Riyas adds.
Expanding Tourism Through Innovation
Kerala is actively expanding its tourism portfolio to attract new travel segments. The state is now promoting Destination Weddings, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), wellness tourism, and adventure tourism. Minister Riyas emphasizes the importance of innovation in marketing:
“We don’t just wait for tourists to come; we reach out with aggressive and creative campaigns. Our presence in international and domestic travel trade fairs, social media engagement, and unique promotions ensure that ‘Destination Kerala’ remains a buzzing brand globally.”
To improve accessibility, Kerala is strengthening its air connectivity and inter-destination travel infrastructure. New projects under KIFBI (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) aim to upgrade roads, bridges, and public transport systems, making travel within Kerala easier and more comfortable.
Coastal Tourism: Unlocking the Potential of Kerala’s Shoreline
Kerala’s 580-kilometer coastline has been a major attraction for centuries. The government is now investing heavily in coastal tourism, ensuring that beaches are not only beautiful but also sustainable and well-maintained.
“We already have two Blue Flag-certified beaches—Kappad and Chal—and are working on more. Kovalam, one of our most iconic beaches, is undergoing a major infrastructure upgrade. Simultaneously, we are developing new coastal destinations like Beypore, Chaliyam, Cherai, and Muzhappilangad,” Mr. Mohammed Riyas reveals.
With these initiatives, Kerala is on track to become one of the world’s leading beach tourism destinations.
Mohammed Riyas
Adventure Tourism and Floating Bridges: A Game Changer
Adventure tourism is another area where Kerala is making waves. The state has implemented comprehensive guidelines for adventure activities, ensuring both excitement and safety for tourists.
“Our adventure tourism scene is booming, with events like the Varkala International Surfing Festival, Malabar River Festival, Wayanad Mountain Terrain Biking, and Vagamon Paragliding Festival. Floating bridges, which have become a popular attraction, are further transforming Kerala’s tourism landscape,” Mr. Mohammed Riyas states.
While some critics have raised concerns about safety, the Minister Mohammed Riyas reassures that Kerala has some of the strongest safety protocols in the country, making it a safe and thrilling destination for adventure seekers.
Women’s Safety: Making Kerala a Women-Friendly Destination
A major focus area for Kerala Tourism is ensuring that women travelers feel safe and comfortable, even at night. Minister Riyas highlights the state’s commitment to making Kerala a leading women-friendly travel destination.
“Kerala is already one of the safest states, but we are taking additional steps to make night travel safer. Better street lighting, increased police patrolling in tourist areas, and women-friendly spaces are all part of our efforts,” he explains.
The government is also promoting women-only taxi services, safe accommodations, and digital safety tools, ensuring that solo female travelers and women’s groups can explore Kerala with confidence.
Balancing Infrastructure Development and Tourism Growth
As Minister for both Public Works and Tourism, Mr. Mohammed Riyas has a dual responsibility—to develop infrastructure while ensuring that it supports tourism growth. He acknowledges that better roads, highways, and public transport are key to unlocking Kerala’s full tourism potential.
“We are strengthening the three pillars of tourism—Accessibility, Attractions, and Amenities. Through projects like the Destination Challenge Project, we are introducing new attractions while upgrading existing ones. Our focus is on holistic development, ensuring that tourists have a seamless and enriching experience,” he says.
The Future of Kerala’s Tourism: A Bold Vision
Looking ahead, Minister Mohammed Riyas envisions Kerala emerging as a global tourism powerhouse. He outlines ambitious goals for the next five years, stating:
“Tourism will soon become Kerala’s largest revenue generator, creating thousands of jobs and driving economic growth. Our aim is to establish Kerala as the world’s top beach resort destination, a premier hub for adventure tourism, a nightlife hotspot, and a global leader in wellness, Ayurveda, and medical tourism.”
Beyond traditional tourism, Kerala is also focusing on women-friendly travel, tourism startups, and innovative urban tourism trends. Projects like ‘Illuminating Bridges and Buildings’ will add an artistic touch to Kerala’s cities, enhancing the visitor experience.
Final Thoughts
Minister Mohammed Riyas is confident that Kerala’s unique blend of nature, culture, adventure, and innovation will continue to attract travelers from across the world. With strong policies, strategic investments, and a commitment to sustainability, Kerala is not just preparing for the future of tourism—it is leading the way.
Mohammed Riyas
From Campus to Cabinet:
My Journey Through Life, Politics
Growing up, Mohammed Riyas was deeply influenced by his father, who served as the Commissioner of Police. “He was a man of unwavering integrity, someone who never took favors from anyone,” Riyas recalled. His father’s fearlessness left a lasting impact on him, shaping his character and instilling in him values of courage and conviction.
His mother, too, played a crucial role in shaping his personality. “She was strong and straightforward, and I inherited her trait of being unafraid to speak my mind,” he explained. Their family lived in the police quarters, right in the heart of Calicut, where the department felt like an extended family. He grew up calling many officers “Uncle,” yet his father never interfered in anything. “I never thought of myself as the son of a powerful officer. My identity was always my own,” Mohammad Riyas said.
It was during his school days that politics caught his attention. “I joined the Student Federation of India (SFI) in the 6th standard, drawn to the passion and ideology of the student movement,” he shared. By the 8th standard, he had already become the class leader. “I loved the energy of mass processions, the power of slogans like ‘Inquilab Zindabad,’ and the sense of unity among students,” he added.
For his pre-degree, Mohammed Riyas joined Farook College, 16 km away from home. The massive campus, with its sprawling grounds and vibrant student culture, felt like a world of its own. Sports played a significant role in his life. “I played cricket, shuttle badminton, and football, but it was chess that truly made my mark,” he said. In fact, he was the State B Chess Champion and even had the rare opportunity to play against Viswanathan Anand—an experience he treasures to this day.
Despite growing up in a diverse society, religious and caste differences never defined his friendships. “We all swam together in the Ambala Kulam, a temple pond where no one cared about such differences,” he reminisced. “Back then, friendship came first, and everything else was secondary.”
Mohammed Riyas has two sisters—one in the UAE and the other in Canada. But when he speaks of his closest companion, it is his wife, Veena. “More than just my wife, she is my best friend. With her, I can be completely open, with no filters or hesitation,” he said. Valuing relationships above politics, he has friends across different political parties. “Whether in Congress or BJP, friendship always comes first,” he emphasized.
But life took a dramatic turn when Mohammed Riyas was jailed following a student protest. “It was a turning point in my life, one that tested my courage and conviction,” he said. The experience stripped away all comforts. “We had the option to get home-cooked food, but not one of us took it. We chose to live like every other inmate,” he recalled. The time in jail reshaped his perspective. “I held my ground, but I couldn’t ignore what my mother, my sisters, and the people who cared about me were going through outside,” he admitted. “When I walked out, I wasn’t the same person anymore. I was more grounded, more mature, and more determined than ever.”
Looking back on his journey, Mohammad Riyas believes that neither success nor failure defines a person. “What truly matters are the relationships we build, the struggles we overcome, and the lessons we learn along the way,” he reflected.
