Explore the digital pillars of Industry 4.0 with AAEON’s innovative AI Demos at SIDO Lyon 2024.

(Taipei, Taiwan – September 10, 2024) AAEON, a leading IoT platform provider, will be exhibiting a range of live demonstrations featuring both new and upcoming products at Booth #O205 of SIDO Lyon from September 18 to September 19, 2024.

Date: September 18 – September 19, 2024

Booth:#O205

Venue: CitéInternationale, Lyon

Get your free expo pass here: Code: E-AAELY24

At Booth #O205, AAEON will showcase exciting additions to its product lines utilizing technology from premier partners, representing the diversity in AAEON’s product capabilities.

Highlighting AAEON’s compatibility with NVIDIA technology, the showcase will feature the NIKY-2155, set to enter mass production later this year. Programmed to function as a smart scale for detecting, weighing, and pricing fruits and vegetables, it will utilize the NVIDIA® Jetson Orin Nano™.

Showcasing AAEON’s adoption of Intel® Arc™ graphics is a worker activity recognition application incorporating the recently-released EPIC-RPS9and MXM-ACMA, leveraging the inferencing power of Intel’s newest graphics technology to detect unexpected behavior, and dangerous situations, and improve worker safety.

AAEON’s final demonstration will be an object detection device powered by the board counterpart of the UP Squared Pro 710H Edge, alongside Innodisk EV2M-GOM1 MIPI cameras and integrated Hailo-8™ AI accelerator.

Also available will be a much-anticipated roundtable on the topic of how IoT, AI, and machine learning can benefit customers across different industries. The discussion is scheduled from 9.30 am to 10.15 am on September 18 in the Confluence Auditorium.

Speakers:

• Guillaume Roy (Head of Smart Industry – SopraSteria)
• Jean-Laurent Gazelle (Business Development Manager Southern Europe – AAEON)
• Arthur Jacquemet (Co-founder and CEO – Fabera)
• Pierre-Yves Le Morvan (Senior Account Manager Industrial and Manufacturing – NVIDIA)

Alongside its live demos, AAEON will also be showcasing a broad selection of static demos from across its varied catalog, including a number of as-yet unreleased models.

Visitors are encouraged to join AAEON at Booth #O205, where representatives will be delighted to discuss the products and provide details of the demonstrations on display.

For more information about the SIDO Lyon, or to register to attend, please visit the official exhibition website and be sure to use the code E-AAELY24 to obtain a free visitor’s pass.

Column written by: Badar Rashid AlBlooshi, Chairman of 3DXB Group

September 2, 2024 – Dubai, UAE: Dubai is undergoing a profound transformation in the way it designs its public spaces, with outdoor furniture becoming a key element in enhancing quality of life and achieving sustainability. With the city’s population expected to reach 5.8 million by 2040, there is a growing need for innovative solutions that meet residents’ needs while promoting environmental sustainability.

Sustainability at the Core of Outdoor Furniture Design

Sustainability has become a top priority in outdoor furniture design in Dubai. The city increasingly relies on environmentally friendly and recyclable materials to manufacture these pieces, helping to reduce carbon footprints and promote ecological balance. Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan aims to create green urban spaces that contribute to improving quality of life and fostering social interaction.

Technological Innovation: 3D Printing as a Game Changer

One of the most impactful innovations transforming outdoor furniture design in Dubai is 3D printing technology. This technology offers several advantages:

Design Flexibility: 3D printing allows for the creation of custom furniture pieces that precisely align with the unique needs of each urban space, whether it be public parks, schoolyards, or recreational areas. This flexibility enables designers to create environments that cater to diverse user requirements while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of spaces.

Waste Reduction: The precision of 3D printing significantly reduces material waste. Each piece of furniture is produced according to exact specifications, minimizing surplus and ensuring more efficient use of resources.

Accelerated Production: 3D printing technology accelerates the production process for outdoor furniture, allowing for the rapid fulfillment of project demands. This is particularly crucial in a city like Dubai, where urban development is moving at a rapid pace.

Innovative Designs: 3D printing offers virtually limitless design possibilities, enabling the creation of unique pieces that reflect Dubai’s distinctive architectural identity. Designers can now push the boundaries of traditional design and explore new avenues of creative expression.

Dubai 2040: A Vision for a Sustainable Urban Future

Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan is built on the foundation of developing infrastructure that supports sustainable mobility and increases the city’s green spaces. This ambitious plan seeks to enhance the quality of life by transforming public areas into spaces that encourage social interaction and physical activity. 3D-printed outdoor furniture plays a vital role in this vision, contributing to the creation of sustainable and attractive urban environments.

3DXB’s Commitment to Supporting Dubai’s Vision

In light of these transformations, 3DXB Group is committed to supporting Dubai’s 2040 vision by providing innovative and sustainable outdoor furniture solutions. Leveraging 3D printing technology, the group delivers custom-designed furniture pieces that meet the diverse needs of Dubai’s urban spaces, enhancing the city’s aesthetics and helping to achieve its strategic goals.

Hyderabad, September 02, 2024: Mana Yatri, Hyderabad’s home-grown cab and auto booking app, is rapidly gaining traction and emerging as a game-changer in tackling the city’s commute challenges. With a people-first approach, Mana Yatri has onboarded over 35,000 autos and 25,000 cabs, providing a reliable alternative to traditional apps. It offers fast bookings, with average times as low as 30 seconds for autos and 40 seconds for cabs. It is becoming Hyderabad’s favourite app, creating a win-win for drivers and passengers. As part of the government-backed T-Hub and ONDC, Mana Yatri belongs to the Namma Yatri family of apps, which have enabled drivers to earn ₹800 Cr without any commission and helped passengers save nearly ₹100 Cr on their commute expenses.

Mana Yatri also has lower driver cancellation rates and superior service quality compared to other apps. This is attributed to Mana Yatri’s unique approach to driver empowerment and enhanced ownership. Operating on a zero-commission model, the app allows drivers to retain 100% of their earnings, which not only benefits them financially but also motivates them to provide better service like low cancellations.

Mahankali Srinivas Rao, CEO of T-Hub, stated, “Mana Yatri’s approach marks a significant shift in how mobility is perceived in Hyderabad. They’ve partnered with T-Hub, Telangana’s innovation epicentre, to create a model that benefits both passengers and drivers. I’m pleased to see their commitment to improving service quality by closely collaborating with the driver community to reduce booking times and cancellations. It is building a fair, efficient transport network that supports Hyderabad’s growth. I encourage the people of Hyderabad to support Mana Yatri drivers in setting new benchmarks for community-driven initiatives in the city.”

The app has been receiving positive feedback for reducing commute costs and offering better services. Ms. Mounika, a 28-year-old software professional, shared, “Mana Yatri is my go-to app for cabs. The prices are usually cheaper compared to other apps, and the drivers are happy since they receive full payment. My commuting is stress-free thanks to quick bookings and low cancellations!” Another user, Mr. Satyavart, a marketing professional, added, “A driver suggested I try the app. It’s a new model, and I’m happy with both the service and price. I’m now a regular user and highly recommend giving it a try.”

Mana Yatri Drivers also shared how the app is positively transforming their lives. Mr. Raju Nayak, a cab driver from Miyapur, said, “Mana Yatri is Mana App. With no commission cuts, every rupee I earn goes directly to my family.” AITUC State Secretary of Telangana, Mr. B. Venkatesham summed it as, “Mana Yatri is people’s app, and all customers are Mana customers. It motivates us to provide the best service.” By maintaining its driver-first approach, Mana Yatri empowers drivers to offer reliable, affordable, and quality rides. As a community-driven app, Mana Yatri remains open to contributions and suggestions.

Looking for a place to rent but want to make sure you get the best bang for your buck? All while ensuring that your prospective property meets certain requirements, like having a swift deposit return time, a fair deposit amount, and strong repair policies?

Well, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to, and found the 10 most renter-friendly states in the US. Using reliable sources from government websites, plus data from our own archives, we analyzed nine different data points for all 50 US states and gave each one a score out of 50 for each area. Overall, the highest-scoring location was Massachusetts, making it the most renter-friendly.

But, if the state in New England is too far from home, there are plenty of other places with a positive renting reputation. From Minnesota to Arizona, and Iowa to Oregon, let’s find the best renting location for you…

Top 10 Tenant-Friendly States

Who made it onto the most renter-friendly US state list? Just a heads up, our research actually included the 25 best states to rent in, but we decided to zoom in on the top 10 due to their scoring results. Don’t worry though, we’ve dropped the last 15 at the end for you to check out.

1. Massachusetts

Despite Massachusetts being the sixth-smallest state by land area, it comes in first for being the best place to rent. This is for a multitude of reasons. For example, Massachusetts has a large number of rental properties available and also has strict landlord requirements and laws.

The state also ranked highest for termination notice for violations, giving the tenant 14 days to pay rent or move before the landlord can file for eviction.

In terms of lifestyle, Massachusetts is probably most famous for its wide choice of colleges and universities, notably the prestigious Harvard University.

Massachusetts also has a reputation for political and social progressivism and cultural diversity, which is why it’s a perfect place to live for those looking to improve their quality of life.

Plus, the state has great healthcare, an impressive job market, and is a hub of opportunity. In terms of scenery, the state boasts some stunning beaches and incredible mountains and valleys thanks to its New England position.

2. Connecticut

Neighboring Massachusetts and located in southern New England is Connecticut – the state that had the second least eviction notices and ranked number two for its excellent repair policies.

Not only is it the second-best renter-friendly state, but it’s also a favorite for those who consider outstanding nature a non-negotiable. Nearly 60% of Connecticut is covered in woodland, but the state also has pristine lakes and idyllic beaches.

Elsewhere, it’s got one of the highest quality of life rankings in the US and low crime rates, which no doubt contributes to the former. In terms of education, Connecticut has highly ranked institutions, with high schools and college graduation rates being higher than average.

3. Rhode Island

Up next is Rhode Island, which is also referred to as the ‘Ocean State’ thanks to its 640 km of coastline. The state is mostly known for its beaches, sailing, seafood, and picturesque coastal towns.

Like Connecticut, Rhode Island had a lower number of eviction notice downloads, with only one being reported in 2023. It also came in third for the amount of deposit needed, with tenants only being required to pay one month in advance.

Despite being the smallest state in the US, Rhode Island has a lot more to offer, including a rich art history. The state is home to Providence, aka ‘The Creative Capital,’ where you’ll find a slew of artsy hangouts.

At its core, life in Rhode Island is laid back and easy. It’s the perfect location for those who are seeking a unique coastal lifestyle but still want access to larger cities and bustling culture.

4. Minnesota

Minnesota is known as the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’ because of its 14,000+ bodies of fresh water. Renting-wise, it’s also a land that’s ideal to set up roots in due to its eight landlord-tenant laws and its generous – and longer – notice period than other states.

The state borders Canada, and due to its geographical location, it can get pretty cold in winter. But, this makes it perfect for a thriving ice hockey scene, plus the ideal destination for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and other snow sports.

However, there’s also plenty of farmland, prairies, and forests. In terms of being welcoming, the state has been dubbed ‘Minnesota Nice’ due to its friendly residents.

Meanwhile – as well as ranking on the renter-friendly list – Minnesota was also named in the top 10 best US states to live in, according to WalletHub. This was due to its high quality of life thanks to its excellent healthcare system, quality education, a strong sense of community, and, of course, its natural beauty.

5. New York

You might be surprised to find New York so high up on the renter-friendly list, considering it’s one of the most famous locations in the world.

But with a good amount of properties available to rent, plus a quick turnaround time of 14 days in terms of deposit refunds, New York has proved itself as an all-rounder when looking for a place to live.

Home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, Niagara Falls, and Grand Central Terminal, New York State also offers its residents a myriad of job and career opportunities in almost any sector.

In terms of leisure activities, it ticks all the boxes, with award-winning theaters, restaurants, museums, parks, and an abundance of cultural activities right on your doorstep.

For those seeking a more suburban lifestyle but still want links to the Big Apple, New York State is obviously ideal. This is because it’s got plenty of affordable housing and family-friendly neighborhoods.

6. Oregon

Oregon scored the highest out of all the states for the number of landlord requirements and laws, giving the location legitimacy in terms of renting. The state also ranked well for rent control laws, coming in second just short of California.

But a positive renting reputation isn’t Oregon’s only great asset – it’s also a unique state that’s often defined by the contrasting landscapes. From its dramatic canyons to the snow-dusted mountains, its rugged coastline and lush valleys, Oregon is also home to some impressive beaches, lively cities, and charming towns.

Nature aside, the state has a strong, thriving economy and is home to a slew of different industries, including education, technology, and healthcare. Oregon has a relatively low unemployment rate coupled with a median household income which is a little higher than the national average.

In terms of politics and social policies, the state is known for being very progressive, which, to many, is an important aspect when considering where to live. Another fun fact about Oregon is that it’s slightly larger than the United Kingdom, so you’ll never run out of places to explore.

7. South Dakota

Located in the North Central region of the US, South Dakota is part of the Great Plains. The state is named after the Dakota Sioux tribe, which makes up a large chunk of the population.

South Dakota is considered to be the happiest state in North America because of its incredibly strong economy. This makes it a perfect place for start-ups, as small businesses are given the opportunity and resources to grow.

Residents also find South Dakota a great place to live because of its rental requirements. Not only does the state provide a fair deposit return time (14 days if there are no deductions, 45 days if there are deductions), but the rent is extremely affordable too. With an average monthly charge of $761 against an average monthly wage of $4,158, South Dakota’s rent prices as a % of income equate to 18.30%.

There are also some pretty impressive landmarks all over the state, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, the Black Hills, and the Missouri River.

8. Arizona

Of course, Arizona is known as the ‘Grand Canyon State.’ Its most famous and iconic feature is the Grand Canyon, after all.

The state has plenty of other cultural and natural landmarks to explore, which means residents will be in the vicinity of the red rocks of Sedona, the Hoover Dam, the Saguaro cactus, panoramic desert landscapes, and the Native American culture.

Renting-wise, South Dakota made it onto the list for a number of reasons, including its deposit return time of 14 days if there are no deductions, or 45 days if there are deductions, _and _the low amount of deposit needed. Tenants will only need to pay their landlords one month’s rent in advance, leading South Dakota to sit just below Rhode Island.

The state is notorious for its hot and dry climate, so for those who love basking in the sun, Arizona has more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Due to the above reasons – from Arizona’s natural beauty, warm climate, and plenty of recreational activities – many people find the location an ideal state to set up roots.

Plus, because Arizona borders Mexico, plenty of Americans visit the country for weekend trips and other leisure activities. Arizona’s geographical location makes it pretty easy to enjoy Mexico’s culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, whether for a short getaway or a longer holiday.

9. Iowa

Tradition says that ‘Iowa’ in the Native American tongue means ‘Beautiful Land.’ According to reports, this phrase was being used to describe the mid-western state from as early as the mid-nineteenth century.

So, the fact that the state is in the top 10 renter-friendly list is only an added benefit. In fact, there are multiple benefits to renting in Iowa – the first being that the average rent price is $806 while the average monthly income is $4,460. Meanwhile, in 2023, there were only five eviction notice downloads recorded.

Residents of Iowa will tell you that there are a lot of reasons to love the state, from its wide-open spaces, unique cuisine, friendly communities, and recreational activities. In Iowa, you’ll find plenty of natural beauty, including breathtaking rivers and lakes, rolling hills, and sprawling prairies.

Meanwhile, it has a low employment rate, is one of the top educational performers in terms of schools and universities, and has a diversified economy thanks to finance, manufacturing, biotechnology, agricultural, and insurance industries.

10. Nebraska

Nebraska is another model state to rent in thanks to its short deposit return time (14 days after the tenant moves out) and the deposit amount needed: one month’s rent, excluding pet fees.

Should you be considering moving to Nebraska, there are a few things you should know about the state and what it’s most famous for. See: corn and its football team, The Cornhuskers. Hence, it earned the nickname ‘Cornhusker State.’

When looking at quality of life, Nebraska has a lot to offer. Lincoln, its capital, is a vibrant university town and the base of the sports team, which was founded 134 years ago.

The state has a vast agricultural landscape and also encompasses the prairies of the Great Plains, like its neighboring state, South Dakota. In Nebraska, you’ll find a combination of job opportunities, affordability, quality education, cultural richness, and friendly residents who will be ready to welcome you with a warm smile.

The other states that made it onto the renter-friendly list are:

• North Dakota
• Kansas
• Maine
• Wisconsin
• Pennsylvania
• Alabama
• Washington
• New Mexico
• Colorado
• New Jersey
• Michigan
• New Hampshire
• Ohio
• North Carolina
• Tennessee

So, where will you set down your renting roots?

What data areas were used to calculate the scores?

The nine data areas that we used to calculate the scores were as follows. Also included is how each state ranked, so depending on what you value the most, you can make a more informed renting decision.

No. rental properties available per capita

(The higher the number, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, Colorado and Arizona.

Rent prices as a % of income

(The lower the number, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Ohio, North Dakota, West Virginia, Iowa and Kentucky.

Eviction notices by state

(A lower number of evictions meant a better score)
Top 5 states: North Dakota, Connecticut, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Iowa.

Deposit amount needed

(A lower deposit needed meant a better score)
Top 5 states: Alabama, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Hawaii.

Deposit return time

(The shorter the deposit return time, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Arizona, Hawaii, Nebraska, New York and South Dakota.

Repair policies

(The stronger the repair policies were, and if the state allowed the use of the repair and deduct policy, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii and Nevada.

Landlord requirements/laws

(The more laws for landlords, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Oregon, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada and California.

Rent control laws

(States with rent control received a higher score, those without a lower score)
Top 5 states: California, Oregon, Maine, Maryland and New Jersey.

Termination notice for violations

(The longer the notice period the higher the score)
Top 5 states: Massachusetts, Minnesota, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington.

Read the original article here: https://www.lawdistrict.com/articles/most-renter-friendly-us-states

Mumbai, August 2024 — In a groundbreaking move set to reshape India’s rental market, RentenPe is launching the country’s first Rent Credit Score and Residence Card (R-Card). This innovative platform, validated by market research undertaken by the global consultancy Ernst & Young, aims to address a significant gap in the financial ecosystem by recognizing and rewarding tenants for their consistent rent payments, a crucial yet undervalued financial commitment.

Revolutionizing the Rental Market

With nearly 50% of India’s population under the age of 40, many young professionals relocate from smaller towns to major cities, contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP. These individuals often dedicate a substantial portion of their income—up to 30%—to rent, while aspiring to own a home, a symbol of status and security in Indian society.

Despite the regularity and significance of these payments, they remain unacknowledged in traditional financial metrics. Unlike credit card payments or loan EMIs, which contribute to building a positive credit score, rent payments have historically been overlooked, leaving renters without the financial recognition they deserve.

Unlocking the Power of Rent

RentenPe aims to change this by introducing the Rent Credit Score—a pioneering metric specifically designed for the residential rental market. Developed using an advanced algorithm, this score considers a variety of financial, qualitative, and quantitative factors. It enables tenants to build a credit profile based on their rental history, paving the way for better rental agreements, rent loans, pre-approved home loans, and potential savings on rent.

Sarika Shetty, Founder of RentenPe, explains, “We believe that rent, a significant monthly financial commitment, should be recognized in the same way that EMIs and credit card payments are. Our Rent Credit Score and R-Card are designed to empower tenants, giving them the financial recognition they deserve and helping them achieve their long-term goals, including homeownership.”

Validation and Local Impact

RentenPe’s approach is backed by extensive research conducted in partnership with Ernst & Young, which revealed the potential of integrating rent payment data into financial assessments. The research highlighted that India’s residential rental market, valued at INR 1.85 lakh crores across the top seven cities, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8-10% over the next five years.

The R-Card: India’s First Digital Rental Identity

Complementing the Rent Credit Score is the R-Card, India’s first digital rental identity. Unlike traditional financial tools, the R-Card acts as a digital ID, offering tenants access to better rental deals, quicker approval processes, and potential rent discounts. For landlords, it provides instant access to verified tenant profiles, early rent facilities, and more, streamlining the rental process and fostering trust.

A Paradigm Shift in India’s Rental Market

As RentenPe prepares for its official launch, the platform is set to drive a fundamental shift in how rent is perceived and valued in India. By turning rent payments into a powerful financial tool, RentenPe is not just launching a new product—it is revolutionizing the rental landscape, creating a more secure and equitable future for tenants and landlords alike.

Chandigarh, August 29, 2024: WeWork India, the leading flexible workspace provider in the country, is partnering with Uber, India’s leading ridesharing app, to offer a seamless commuting solution to their 70,000+ members. This collaboration is set to redefine commuting convenience, providing a range of travel benefits designed to support WeWork India members in their day-to-day operations.

Through this partnership, WeWork India members will gain access to Uber for Business, a B2B2C platform that allows organisations to consumerise Uber’s extensive suite of travel benefits for business riders, ensuring a seamless commuting experience that aligns with their mobility needs. Members will have access to a uniquely built travel benefits program that includes user-friendly payment options, improved reliability and flexible cancellation. They can choose from Uber’s range of premium and economy options, tailored to their comfort and needs, including latest products like Uber Reserve, Uber Rentals, Uber Intercity, Uber Shuttle, amongst others. Members will also get exclusive access to premium ride options such as Business Premier, which curates top-rated drivers for a more comfortable commuting and business ride experience.

Commenting on the collaboration, Abhinav Mittoo, Sr. Country GM, Uber for Business, India & South Asia said, “This collaboration aligns with our commitment to enhance and simplify business mobility for dynamic environments and workplaces. Our customer portfolio is growing as organisations are increasingly focusing on cost, digitization and experience of its employees or community. We are excited to partner with WeWork India and its members to help them leverage a tech-based mobility solution that not only optimises travel needs to enhance productivity, but also provides a more safer and reliable way to move around. We believe this partnership will be instrumental in creating a more connected and convenient mobility experience for their vibrant community.”

“Our collaboration with Uber is a significant step towards enhancing the daily lives of our members by offering them a seamless and convenient commuting experience. By integrating Uber’s mobility solutions with our flexible workspaces, we’re not only simplifying their journey to work but also reinforcing our commitment to creating a holistic and sustainable work environment that meets the evolving needs of modern professionals. Furthermore, Uber’s safety technology and community guidelines will ensure a safe, secure, and positive experience for our members,” said Raghuvinder Singh Pathania, Head of Community & Operations, WeWork India.

As part of this collaboration, all WeWork India members will receive a one-time incentive upon activating their WeWork profile on the Uber App. This partnership will be stitched across all WeWork locations in India and will be supercharged with Uber for Business’ Tech implementation to ensure a seamless launch across the WeWork India community. While WeWork India is focused on its sustainability impact by improving mobility access at its locations, Uber for Business will also fuel the rider experience with their 24×7 premium business support, built to offer an elevated servicing framework.

Since its inception in 2017, WeWork India’ has constantly focused on elevating the workplace experience for members. This partnership reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment towards enhancing it further by providing innovative and sustainable solutions. By leveraging Uber’s expertise in mobility, WeWork India aims to offer an unparalleled commuting experience, contributing to productivity and work-life balance of members.

Unfolds new products ahead of festivals & holiday season

Mumbai, August 28: Riding on a high-growth trajectory, Kerala Tourism has unfolded a range of fresh products and packages to whip up new interest among travellers from both inside the country and outside in the upcoming festive and winter holiday seasons.

Alongside the new projects, the state’s core assets like beaches, hill stations, houseboats and backwater segment will continue to have a mesmeric charm for the visitors. Kerala’s unique touristy appeal lies in providing a diverse range of experiences for tourists like houseboats, caravan stays, plantation visits, jungle lodges, homestays, Ayurveda-based wellness solutions, adventure activities, countryside walks, and trekking to verdant hills.

Kerala’s resilience in putting its pandemic-hit tourism industry back on the rail is evident from an appreciable surge in domestic arrivals. In pre-COVID times, it was the year 2019 when the state registered the highest growth rate in domestic and total tourist arrivals in 24 years with their number pegged at 1,95,74,004, comprising 1,83,84,233 domestic tourists and 11,89,771 visitors from abroad.

In 2023, it witnessed a record surge in the number of domestic tourists with as many as 21,871,641 people visiting the state. The number of international tourists was pegged at 6,49,057.

As for the first quarter (January-March) of 2024, Kerala attracted 50,37,307 domestic tourists compared to 49,36,274 visitors in the corresponding period a year earlier, registering a 2.05 per cent increase, in a rousing endorsement of its touristy appeal. Equally assuring for Kerala is the uptick in international tourist arrivals, which are expected to reach the pre-COVID levels by 2025.

Tourism Minister Shri PA Mohamed Riyas says the focus will no longer be confined to beaches, backwaters and hill stations. “We are making a calibrated move to bolster Kerala’s reputation as an all-weather hospitable destination. Our latest offerings will spark new interest among the visitors as it makes Kerala a compelling experiential tourist hotspot for all segments of visitors, be it an upscale globetrotting tourist, a honeymooning couple, a backpacker, or an adventure-seeker.”

An upshot of the sustained efforts to rejuvenate the tourism sector was Kerala Tourism’s digital marketing campaign bagging the prestigious PATA Gold Award. The New York Times had included Kerala in its list of ‘52 must-visit places in 2023’.

Kerala Travel Mart, Asia’s largest tourism event, is slated to be held in September to boost the state’s tourism sector. More than 1,500 domestic buyers and 650 foreign buyers have already registered for the event.

Kerala will also host an international conference on gender-inclusive tourism in October to showcase the state’s success in promoting participatory development in tourism through the Responsible Tourism scheme and address the issues faced by women travellers.

“We are transforming the whole of Kerala into a sustainable, interconnected tourist haven where visitors get plenty of choices and diverse experiences within the few days they spend in the state,” said Shri Biju K, Secretary – Tourism, Government of Kerala.

“It will make the stay of new-age travellers a relaxing, rejuvenating, safe and learning experience by unfolding before them the captivating charm of Kerala’s rural hinterland and lesser-known places,” he added.

Among the new offerings is heli-tourism, which has been hailed as a game changer. The project —Sky Initiative— is aimed at providing one-day travel between the state’s top tourist destination. Another offering is caravan tourism—Keravan Kerala—that takes tourism deep into the state’s interiors and rural hinterlands.

In order to create an appreciable surge in tourist footfalls, tour operators and hoteliers in Kerala are offering attractive packages for the festival and winter holiday seasons. Alongside, international bookings are also witnessing an upswing in the upcoming holiday season.

“Started with a Partnership Meet in Vadodara, followed by Surat, Kerala Tourism has planned a string of travel trade networking activities, including participation in Trade Fairs and organizing B2B roadshows, to introduce the new products to a wider audience across the country”, said Smt. Sikha Surendran, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala.

Apart from Mumbai, B2B meets will be held in Pune on August 29th, followed by similar Partnership Meets in Chennai and Kolkata in the coming months.

“Our continuous and innovative initiatives to reach our target markets through various promotional means have successfully placed Kerala as a must-visit destination, and this will remain our focus in the future as well. Also, MICE, Destination Weddings, Responsible Tourism, adventure, wellness and will be taken forward with greater vigour,” she added.