Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan opens landmark 80-room hotel in capital city, highlighting state’s hospitality sector growth and investment potential
Kerala achieved a significant milestone in its tourism infrastructure development as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan officially inaugurated the Lemon Tree Premier Hotel & Convention Centre in Thiruvananthapuram today, marking the state’s 100th five-star property.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the hotel’s Thycaud location, was attended by cabinet ministers, government officials, and industry stakeholders. The Chief Minister performed the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony in the presence of his cabinet colleagues and Mr. Rajan J.S., Managing Director of AR Vista Pvt. Ltd., the Dubai-based company that owns the property.
NRI Entrepreneur’s Dream Realized
Mr. Rajan J.S., an NRI entrepreneur originally from Thiruvananthapuram, expressed his satisfaction at bringing the project to fruition in his home district. “My dream comes true by inaugurating this prestigious hotel project in my home district. I envisaged a project like this many years ago and I am expecting more investment in Kerala’s tourism sector in the coming years,” he said.
Chief Minister Vijayan praised the initiative, calling the five-star hotel project in the capital city a welcome move that reflects the growing momentum in Kerala’s hospitality sector. “In the last few years, every city and town in Kerala has started numerous hospitality infrastructure projects, which shows the growth of the tourism sector in the state. Kerala now has the highest number of five-star hotels, demonstrating our commitment to tourism excellence,” the Chief Minister stated.
Symbiotic Growth and Economic Impact
Emphasizing the interconnected nature of hospitality and tourism, Chief Minister Vijayan noted that quality hotel projects like Lemon Tree Premier play a crucial role in supporting tourism growth and the state’s overall economy. “The symbiotic relationship between the hospitality and tourism sectors is inseparable, and every good project will support the growth of tourism and the state’s economy,” he observed.
The Chief Minister also announced that the Kovalam to Chettuva national waterway project is nearing completion and is expected to open officially by the end of January 2026. “This will make a revolutionary change in the tourist experience in Kerala,” he said, adding that premium hotel projects would encourage more domestic and foreign direct investment, providing momentum to Kerala’s economic future.
Government Support and Incentives
Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting new hospitality ventures, announcing infrastructure incentives and interest subsidies for new hotel projects up to INR 50 crore. “The government is committed to continuing the growth of tourism in the state,” he emphasized.
Mr. SIvankutty, Minister for Labour and General Education, Kerala presided over the function. During the ceremony, Minister Balagopal and Minister for Food & Civil Supplies G.R. Anil launched a Memorial Charity Initiative by Mr. Rajan J.S., demonstrating the project’s commitment to social responsibility alongside commercial objectives.
Recognizing Contributions
The inauguration ceremony included felicitation of various stakeholders who contributed to the project’s successful completion. Mr. Rajan J.S. and Mr. Ajaesh Raj, Chief Executive Officer of AR Vista Pvt. Ltd., honored team members and organizers involved in the property’s construction. Special recognition was given to head load workers by G.R. Jayakumar, while Praveen Kumar G.S. presented awards for outstanding project contributions.
Other dignitaries present at the function included Mr. V. Muralidharan, former Union Minister of State; and senior Lemon Tree Hotels executives including Narotam Singh, Chief Operating Officer – South, and Arun Kumar Gupta, Area Director for Telangana & Kerala.
Property Features and Positioning
The Lemon Tree Premier Thiruvananthapuram marks the brand’s sixth property in Kerala and reinforces its expanding footprint in southern India. Managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, the strategically located hotel features 80 well-appointed rooms and suites designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers.
Dining experiences at the property include the multi-cuisine Citrus Café, the signature Kebab Theatre, and the lively lounge bar Slounge. For wellness and recreation, guests have access to a fitness center, spa facilities, and a swimming pool. The hotel also provides modern banquet and meeting spaces suitable for conferences, workshops, and private celebrations, positioning it as a comprehensive venue for corporate and social gatherings.
Speaking on the launch, Mr. Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President of Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With the opening of Lemon Tree Premier, Thiruvananthapuram, we are pleased to further extend our footprint across Kerala. Situated in a prime location, the hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travelers exploring this historic and culturally rich city.”
Strategic Market Positioning
Thiruvananthapuram’s appeal as a hospitality destination stems from multiple factors: its deep cultural heritage anchored by the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, scenic coastal destinations like Kovalam beach, and its rapidly growing IT and knowledge economy sectors. This diverse profile attracts both leisure tourists and corporate travelers, creating sustained demand for quality accommodation.
The new hotel aims to serve this varied visitor demographic while supporting broader tourism and hospitality sector growth in the region. As the state capital and a gateway to southern Kerala’s attractions, Thiruvananthapuram occupies a strategic position in the state’s tourism infrastructure.
Lemon Tree’s Expansion Strategy
Lemon Tree Hotels currently operates over 120 hotels across more than 80 locations in India and overseas, with additional developments in the pipeline. The opening of Lemon Tree Premier, Thiruvananthapuram, underscores the group’s commitment to expanding across major cultural, commercial, and tourism destinations throughout India.
The hotel chain’s focus on tier-2 and tier-3 cities, alongside major metropolitan markets, aligns with India’s evolving travel patterns and the democratization of quality hospitality services across the country’s diverse geography.
Looking Ahead
The inauguration of Kerala’s 100th five-star property represents more than a numerical milestone – it signals the maturation of the state’s tourism infrastructure and its readiness to compete for high-value domestic and international visitors. With government support through financial incentives, infrastructure development projects like the national waterway, and continued private sector investment, Kerala’s hospitality sector appears positioned for sustained growth.
As Mr. Manoj M.V., General Manager of the property, delivered the vote of thanks, the message was clear: Thiruvananthapuram’s newest landmark represents both achievement and aspiration – celebrating Kerala’s tourism progress while inviting further investment in the state’s most promising economic sector.
The successful launch of Lemon Tree Premier serves as a template for public-private partnership in tourism development, demonstrating how government policy support, entrepreneurial vision, and established hospitality brands can combine to create infrastructure that drives economic growth while elevating visitor experiences in one of India’s most culturally rich destinations.
