Kerala is planning a series of major development initiatives to strengthen its ties with Arab countries and position the state as a global hub for tourism, knowledge and healthcare.
Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced the plans while inaugurating the Indo-Arab Connect 2026 conference. He said attracting tourists and investors from the Arab world would remain a key priority for the state government.
The initiatives include integrated port development, expanded cruise connectivity, aviation infrastructure, heritage tourism projects and the proposed Knowledge Valley project.
Mission Samudra to strengthen maritime connectivity
Under Mission Samudra, Kerala plans to integrate its coastline and ports as part of a comprehensive port-city development programme. The initiative will bring international ports, the container terminal and smaller ports under an integrated framework.
The second phase will also cover the state's 44 rivers and major backwaters.
Satheesan said cruise services would be introduced from Kochi to Gulf countries and Goa, as well as along the Kerala coast from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram.
The government also plans to shift around 50-60 per cent of freight movement to waterways to ease road congestion.
Kerala to expand aviation infrastructure
The state also intends to develop Kerala as an aviation hub by leveraging its international airports.
The proposed initiatives include establishing pilot training institutes and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities. An international convention centre with modern infrastructure is also planned near Kochi airport.
The government has additionally proposed providing 30 acres of land in Kochi for the development of what Satheesan described as India's first oceanarium.
An international maritime museum is also planned to showcase Kerala's more than 2,000-year-old maritime trading history.
Heritage and cultural tourism to receive a boost
The state plans to expand its tourism offerings by developing new destinations and strengthening existing heritage attractions.
According to Satheesan, archaeological excavations at Muziris have revealed evidence of ancient trade links between Kerala and 31 countries. The government plans to preserve this heritage while developing it further as a tourism attraction.
A cultural park named after writer M T Vasudevan Nair is proposed in Kozhikode, while new tourism destinations will be developed in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and other parts of the state.
Knowledge Valley to focus on education and healthcare
The proposed Knowledge Valley project is intended to establish Kerala as an international centre for knowledge and healthcare.
The state plans to invite prominent international universities to establish a presence in Kerala. The government also proposes integrated rehabilitation centres combining Ayurveda and allopathic medicine.
Caregiver training programmes based on curricula followed in the UK, Germany and Australia are expected to be introduced at medical and nursing colleges.
The plans also include establishing geriatric care centres and developing facilities for elderly people and foreign nationals seeking retirement options in Kerala under the 'Retire in Kerala' initiative.
Focus on Arab tourism and investment
The state government is seeking to deepen Kerala's historical and economic connections with the Arab world by attracting more tourists, investors and business partnerships from the region.
Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh said the Indo-Arab Connect initiative could help build on Kerala's longstanding relationship with Arab countries, which dates back to centuries of spice trade and maritime commerce across the Arabian Sea.
The latest push comes as Kerala seeks to expand beyond conventional leisure tourism and strengthen its position in wellness, healthcare, heritage, maritime, aviation, and knowledge-based tourism.
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