Kochi Recognized as One of the Best Places to Visit in Asia by Conde Nast Traveller for 2024
In a significant boost to Kerala’s growing tourism industry, Kochi has been included in Conde Nast Traveller’s prestigious list of the top destinations to visit in Asia for the year 2024.
The London-based luxury travel magazine has lauded Kochi for its sustainable initiatives and local festivals, highlighting the city’s waterways, lush backwaters, lagoons, and rivers, which have captivated visitors for centuries – from ancient traders to present-day tourists.
The magazine especially commends the city’s innovative water metro system, the first of its kind in the world, which will transition to being fully solar powered by late 2024. This is part of a larger effort to establish Kerala’s financial and industrial capital as a solar powerhouse. Additionally, Kochi’s international airport, CIAL, operates solely on solar energy and has recently introduced a state-of-the-art business jet terminal, set to be the largest in India.
Conde Nast Traveller also highlights Kerala Tourism 2.0, a sustainable tourism initiative with an investment of $43 million for 2023-2024, which aims to enhance infrastructure and travel connections between Kochi and less-explored destinations in the region, along with promoting local festivals.
Responding to the accolade, State Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas expressed pride in Kerala Tourism’s efforts to maintain a balance between tourism growth and sustainability for the benefit of local communities. Tourism Secretary K. Biju emphasized that the state’s sustainable initiatives have made Kochi and Kerala as a whole, a welcoming destination for global travelers.
The magazine also mentions the ongoing improvements at Kochi’s 150-year-old Ernakulam Market, set to unveil its long-awaited redesign in early 2024. Additionally, it pays tribute to The Blue Yonder, a responsible tourism operator that has introduced innovative experiences inspired by Kochi’s heritage, such as the twilight dining experience in Ezhikkara.
Kochi shares the spotlight with other renowned destinations in Asia, including Kathmandu Valley (Nepal), Singapore, The Silk Road (Uzbekistan), Kobe (Japan), Bangkok (Chinatown) (Thailand), and others.
This recognition from Conde Nast Traveller serves as a testament to Kochi’s commitment to sustainable tourism and its position as a must-visit destination in Asia.
I have over 10 years of experience in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. I have attended numerous conferences and events around the world, and my work has been featured in major publications such as CoinDesk, Bitcoin Magazine, and Yahoo Finance.