Lok Sabha Question No. 75 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Impact of U.S. Level 2 Travel Advisory on Kerala’s Tourism Sector
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri K Sudhakaran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.75

## ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## IMPACT OF U.S. LEVEL 2 TRAVEL ADVISORY

## ON KERALA'S TOURISM SECTOR

75. SHRI K SUDHAKARAN:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether the Government is aware of the U.S. Level 2 travel advisory issued  in  June  2025,  urging  increased  caution  due  to  rising  crime, terrorism  threats  and  safety  concerns  for  the  tourists,  particularly women in the country  and  its  potential  impact  on  Kerala's  tourism sector,  which  relies  heavily  on  international  tourists  from  the  U.S. and U.K. contributed a huge share of foreign arrivals in 2024;
- (b) if  so,  the  specific  incidents  that  prompted  the  advisory  and  their perceived impact on Kerala's reputation as a safe tourism destination;
- (c) the details of the measures taken/being taken by the Government to enhance security measures at the Kerala's tourist hotspots to ensure the safety of international and female tourists; and
- (d) the details of the initiatives, including strengthening the 'Incredible India'  campaign  and  conducting  opinion -based  surveys,  to  counter the  negative  perceptions  and  boost  tourist  confidence  in  Kerala's tourism sector?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM             (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a): As mentioned by MEA, several countries, including India, periodically issue travel advisories based on their assessment of various risk indicators.  The  U.S.  Travel  Advisory,  issued  by  the  U.S.  Department  of State,  provides  guidance  specifically  for  U.S.  citizens  traveling  to  or residing in foreign countries. These advisories are not intended for citizens of other nationalities.

India has been assessed as a Level 2 destination since the introduction  of  the  system  in  2018.  This  classification  has  remained unchanged in the most recent update issued on 16 June 2025.

(b):       The  State  Government  of  Kerala  has  stated  that  no  such  specific incidents  reported  to  make  any  impact  on  Kerala's  reputation  as  a  safe tourism destination.

(c):          As  mentioned  by  Tourism  Department,  Government of Kerala, the details of the measures taken/being taken to enhance security measures at Kerala's tourist hotspots to ensure the safety of international and female tourists:

- i. The Government  of Kerala has deployed 180 "tourism police" personnel  in  various  tourism  destinations  to  ensure  the  safe  travel and visit of tourists.
- ii. The  Department  of  Tourism  has  deployed  181  lifeguards  in  various beaches and water-based tourism destinations to ensure the safety of travellers.
- iii. Approximately 10,000 Responsible Tourism Mission units are available in important destinations to ensure a homely and safe visit for international and domestic tourists to Kerala.
- iv. The Department of Tourism conducted safety audits in 78 destinations.
- v. The Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission conducted a global women's conference  in  November  2024  to  enhance  the  view  on  safe  travel, especially for female tourists.
6. (d):   The Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination in the tourism-generating markets to promote various tourism products and destinations  of  the  country,  including  Kerala.  Various  promotional activities  are  undertaken  in  association  with  the  Travel  industry, State Governments and Indian Missions overseas to project a positive perception about the country, including Kerala.
7. ******