By Kerala reached a remarkable milestone in its tourism development today with the inauguration of the Lemon Tree Premier Hotel & Convention Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan formally opened the 80-room luxury property, marking it as the state’s 100th five-star hotel and underscoring the rapid growth of Kerala’s hospitality sector.
The ceremony took place at the hotel’s Thycaud campus and was attended by cabinet ministers, senior officials, tourism industry leaders, and representatives of the owning company, AR Vista Pvt. Ltd. The Chief Minister lit the traditional lamp in the presence of his cabinet colleagues and Mr. Rajan J. S., Managing Director of AR Vista Pvt. Ltd., a Dubai-based firm.
For Mr. Rajan, an NRI entrepreneur hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, the launch was the realization of a long-cherished dream. He expressed pride in bringing a world-class project to his home district and voiced optimism about the rising investor confidence in Kerala’s tourism sector.
Chief Minister Vijayan described the development as a welcome addition to the capital city and a reflection of the robust momentum in hospitality investments across the state. He noted that every major city and town in Kerala has seen a surge in hotel projects over recent years, making the state the national leader in the number of five-star properties. He emphasized that strong hospitality infrastructure is essential for sustaining tourism growth and strengthening the state’s economy.
The Chief Minister also announced that the national waterway corridor from Kovalam to Chettuva is nearing completion and is expected to open by the end of January 2026. The project, he said, would transform the travel experience for tourists and further elevate Kerala’s position as a premium destination. He added that new five-star hotels such as Lemon Tree Premier are likely to boost both domestic and foreign direct investments in the state.
Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting new hotel developments, announcing infrastructure incentives and interest subsidies for projects valued up to INR 50 crore. Minister for Labour and General Education V. Sivankutty presided over the function, during which Ministers Balagopal and G. R. Anil launched a Memorial Charity Initiative led by Mr. Rajan, reflecting the project’s focus on social responsibility.
The event also featured the felicitation of individuals and teams who contributed to the construction and commissioning of the property. Mr. Rajan J. S. and AR Vista CEO Ajaesh Raj honoured project collaborators, while special acknowledgements were extended to head-load workers and other key contributors. Among the dignitaries present were former Union Minister of State V. Muraleedharan and senior executives from Lemon Tree Hotels, including Chief Operating Officer (South) Narotam Singh and Area Director Arun Kumar Gupta.
Lemon Tree Premier, Thiruvananthapuram, is the brand’s sixth property in Kerala and marks a strategic expansion in the southern region. Managed by Carnation Hotels Pvt. Ltd., it offers 80 well-appointed rooms and suites aimed at both business and leisure travellers. Its dining options include the multi-cuisine Citrus Café, the signature Kebab Theatre restaurant, and the lounge bar Slounge, while leisure and wellness facilities include a swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre. The hotel also features modern event and conference spaces, positioning it as a comprehensive venue for corporate meetings, workshops, and social functions.
Commenting on the launch, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President of Lemon Tree Hotels, said the new property strengthens the group’s footprint across the state and serves the evolving needs of travellers exploring the culturally rich capital city.
Thiruvananthapuram continues to attract visitors with its blend of heritage tourism, coastal destinations such as Kovalam, and its expanding IT and knowledge sectors. The new hotel aims to cater to this diverse and growing traveller base while contributing to broader hospitality development in the region.
Lemon Tree Hotels currently operates more than 120 properties across over 80 locations in India and overseas. The opening of Kerala’s 100th five-star hotel marks both a symbolic and substantial achievement for the state, highlighting the maturity of its tourism infrastructure and its readiness for further high-value investment. With government incentives, major infrastructure projects such as the national waterway, and continued private sector interest, Kerala’s hospitality sector is set for sustained growth.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Manoj M. V., General Manager of the property, who noted that the inauguration represented both a celebration of progress and a vision for the future of tourism in Kerala.
