India’s tourism landscape is evolving rapidly, backed by a strong domestic travel market, improved infrastructure, and rising disposable incomes. With nearly 2 billion trips recorded in 2024 (99% of which were by domestic tourists) the industry is seeing double-digit annual growth, particularly driven by the middle class and young, experience-seeking travellers.

As leading tourist destinations begin to struggle with over-tourism and infrastructure constraints, attention is shifting toward emerging locations with untapped potential. This report, "Top Emerging Tourist Destinations for a Resort Development in South India," identifies and analyses lesser-known destinations that are gaining momentum—both in terms of tourist interest and investment viability.

South India, comprising Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, accounted for 39% of the total domestic tourist footfall in India and over a million foreign visitors.

The top emerging destinations for resort development in South India, range from early exploration phases dominated by homestays to involvement stages attracting branded hotels, present compelling opportunities for resort and hotel development. Factors such as improved accessibility, natural and cultural richness, and increasing government support position these locations for tourism-led growth, offering strong potential for eco-friendly resorts, boutique hotels, and unique leisure stay experiences in the next 3–5 years.