Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas with delegates during the inauguration of the International Ayurveda and Wellness Conclave 2026 in Kozhikode on February 2.
| Photo Credit: K. Ragesh
Kerala should transform itself into a global centre for Ayurveda treatment, going beyond positioning the traditional wellness system merely as a tourism product, Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas has said.
Inaugurating the first International Ayurveda and Wellness Conclave, organised jointly by the State Tourism department and the Ayurveda Promotion Society here on Monday (February 2), Mr. Riyas said Kerala was making concerted efforts to firmly establish its Ayurveda sector as a significant player in the State’s tourism industry, especially at the international level. He pointed out that the Ayurveda and Yoga sectors were witnessing rapid growth, accompanied by an equally increasing responsibility.
Emphasising that Ayurveda must grow beyond being promoted as a tourism product, the Minister said that progress should be driven by international cooperation, knowledge exchange and long-term partnerships. “Ayurveda should also evolve into a research-oriented and public benefit-focused sector. Along with strict enforcement of treatment standards, there must be inclusive and sustainable practices,” Mr. Riyas added.
Later, speaking at a panel session on ‘Kerala as a Global Hub of Ayurveda’, experts opined that promoting Ayurveda under ‘Kerala Brand’ by showcasing its uniqueness was the key for making the State a domain leader of wellness tourism on the global stage.
The conclave brought together Ayurveda scholars, global wellness experts, policymakers, academics, industry leaders, travel trade professionals, and international stakeholders.
Highlighting the prevalent unnecessary scientific theories stapled in Ayurveda, Dr. T.S. Krishna Kumar, chief consultant and director, Santhiniketan Ayurveda Kendram and Panchakarma Institute, Vadakara, said the State leads in the domain due to the wisdom in Kerala’s Ayurveda tradition. “The authentic tradition of Ayurveda in Kerala should be branded properly. Besides, we need to identify the uniqueness in Kerala while offering the traditional medicine. We have our own way of diagnosing diseases,” Dr. Kumar pointed out.
Dr. Indulal, trustee, Akami Ayurveda Foundation, Angamali, said the global requirement of Ayurveda was going to be manifold in the coming years and Kerala needs to prepare for it. Jose Dominic, co- founder, CGH Earth Experience, reminded the stakeholders that quality of service without compromising on the product was the key in the competitive Ayurveda sector.
Over 120 foreign delegates from 34 countries, 50 vloggers from within and outside the country, and over 100 sellers from across the State are participating in the two-day summit.
A day-long structured B2B interaction connecting 150 international and domestic buyers and 100 Ayurveda service providers from Kerala will be held on Tuesday (February 3) at Dimora Hotel at Thondayad Bypass Road near Cyberpark, Kozhikode.
Published – February 02, 2026 08:16 pm IST
