Kerala has recorded a remarkable surge in foreign visitors seeking medical and therapeutic wellness services, reaffirming its reputation as India’s leading destination for Ayurveda-based health tourism.
According to data from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) – Kerala, the state’s Ayurvedic medical value tourism sector generated revenue of ₹13,500 crore in 2024, up from ₹10,800 crore in 2023. Nearly 60–70% of international tourists visiting the state opted for Ayurvedic treatments or holistic wellness programmes during their stay.
The number of foreign tourists arriving in Kerala also rose notably — from 6.49 lakh in 2023 to 7.4 lakh in 2024, marking steady year-on-year growth.
Industry experts highlighted that the number of Ayurvedic centres catering to foreign visitors expanded to 550 in 2024, compared to 460 in the previous year, indicating strong sectoral growth driven by infrastructure development, improved service quality, and increasing global interest in authentic Ayurveda experiences.
CII representatives noted that with enhanced accreditation standards, improved facilities, and skilled professionals, Kerala has the potential to emerge as a global hub for Ayurveda, therapeutic wellness, and health tourism manufacturing.
The state government has also outlined plans to attract at least 10% of India’s total medical tourists to Kerala, leveraging its network of modern hospitals, expert healthcare providers, and internationally trained nurses. Presently, a large share of medical travellers come from the Maldives and Oman, reflecting Kerala’s growing appeal in the South Asian and Middle Eastern markets.