Kerala Tourism has again consolidated its position in the tourism sector by attracting a record 1.07 crore domestic tourists and 7.93 lakh foreign tourists to the State during 2012.

The total revenue, both direct and indirect, from the tourism sector touched Rs.21,125 crore in 2012, compared to Rs.19,037 crore in 2011. Forex earnings received by the tourism industry in the State went up from Rs.4,221.99 crore in 2011 to Rs.4,548 crore in 2012.

Statistics compiled by Kerala Tourism show that the State achieved an 8.28 per cent increase in foreign tourist arrivals (7.39 lakh in 2011) and 7.41 per cent in the case of domestic tourist arrivals (93.81 lakh) during 2012.

In the case of foreign tourists, Ernakulam district topped the table with 3,30,390 arrivals in 2012, followed by Thiruvananthapuram with 2,42,739 arrivals. Idukki with 62,387 foreign tourist arrivals came third. The lowest of 1,253 foreign tourist arrivals was recorded in Pathanamthitta district.

The number of foreign tourist arrivals was the highest in January (1,06,314), followed by February (1,03,220). The least – 28,280 – was in the month of June last year. The highest percentage of 13 per cent variation was in March 2012.

Official sources told The Hindu that change in promotional strategy, use of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, and active cooperation of tour operators and other stakeholders in the industry helped the State to remain on top.

Roadshows within the country and abroad, participation in international fairs, introduction of mobile-based services and IT-enabled projects, WAP guide, applications for Android and iOS and Bluetooth kiosks also helped Kerala Tourism retain the top position and increase arrivals to the State last year.

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