Kerala is set to strengthen its position as a leading global healthcare and wellness destination, with the state government working closely with the private sector to expand its share of the rapidly growing Medical Value Travel (MVT) market. The state is particularly focusing on attracting high-spending Arab travellers and families, said P.C. Vishnunath, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinema, Government of Kerala.
Speaking at a special MVT stakeholders’ interactive session in Kochi ahead of Indo Arab Connect 2026, the minister highlighted Kerala’s strong healthcare infrastructure, skilled medical professionals and established reputation in wellness and Ayurveda. He called upon hospitals, medical tourism facilitators and industry stakeholders to combine these strengths with high ethical standards, stringent treatment protocols and exceptional service quality.
“Kerala possesses all the infrastructure and human capital required to lead this sector – world-class hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art treatment facilities, highly qualified and experienced doctors, dedicated nurses, and skilled paramedical staff,” the minister said, stressing that maintaining patient trust must remain central to the sector’s growth.
As part of its roadmap to establish Kerala as a global medical travel destination by 2030, the government is also considering a dedicated training programme for medical tourism service providers in collaboration with the Kerala Institute of Travel and Tourism Studies (KITTS). The initiative is expected to support greater standardisation, regulation and classification of the sector while enhancing service quality and global competitiveness.
The discussions come ahead of Indo Arab Connect 2026, scheduled at Crowne Plaza Kochi from 31 August to 1 September. Organised by the Association of Arab Tour Operators (AATO), in association with Tourism India Media Group and the Association of Medical Tourism Facilitators (AMF), the summit has attracted more than 175 Arab travel agents and tour operators from 11 countries. More than 100 hotels, resorts, Ayurveda centres and multi-speciality hospitals from across India have also confirmed participation.
The B2B networking meet on 1 September will bring together over 150 Indian and international tourism and healthcare suppliers with Arab buyers, creating opportunities for direct business engagement. Organisers aim to attract nearly three lakh additional visitors from the Arab world and generate more than Rs. 25,000 crore for Kerala’s economy over the next five years. The summit will be followed by a nine-day familiarisation tour from 2 to 9 September, taking GCC and West Asian delegates across Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Kovalam and Wayanad. The initiative will provide international buyers with first-hand exposure to Kerala’s hospitality, Ayurveda, medical tourism and luxury offerings.
With strong historical ties between Kerala and the Arab world, growing demand for healthcare and wellness services, and the state’s established medical ecosystem, Kerala is positioning Medical Value Travel as a key driver of tourism, investment and economic growth.