Kerala has undergone remarkable transformation over the past twenty years. Cities have expanded rapidly, with infrastructure projects, cultural shifts, and economic changes reshaping urban life and redefining growth opportunities.
According to travel industry data, Kochi now boasts more than 40 five-star hotels, alongside a diverse range of business hotels, budget accommodations, boutique stays, heritage homestays, and restored bungalows offering curated experiences. From waterside resorts to expansive convention centres, the city has also emerged as a leading destination for weddings and MICE events (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions), driving consistent growth in the hospitality sector.
Much of this rise can be traced back to the opening of Cochin International Airport in 1999, which boosted connectivity and significantly increased tourist inflow. As visitors began to arrive in greater numbers, Kochi strengthened its position as Kerala’s top tourism hub. Fort Kochi soon became the heart of the city’s cultural and historical attraction. With its colonial charm, Chinese fishing nets, heritage churches and ancient trees, the area drew international travellers and sparked demand for unique places to stay.
In response, historic buildings were reimagined as boutique hotels. The Malabar House, once a Dutch mansion from 1755, became one of the first heritage stays in Fort Kochi. Others followed, such as Brunton Boatyard, a former British shipbuilding site, and Forte Kochi, a Portuguese structure believed to date back to the 1800s, now transformed into a luxury property under Paul John Resorts and Hotels.