Kerala unveils International Spice Routes Heritage Network

Kochi / January 6, 2026

Kochi, Jan. 06: Kerala today launched the International Spice Routes Heritage Network as a collaborative platform to promote history, culture, creativity and tourism across nations by leveraging the legacy of the fabled Spice Routes that marked Kerala as a hub of global maritime trade and cross-cultural encounters for centuries.

Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas made the declaration of the path-breaking project while inaugurating the three-day International Spice Routes Conference themed “Ancient Trails. New Journeys,’ at Bolgatty Palace here.

The event is organized by Kerala Tourism Department in collaboration with Muziris Heritage Project.

More than an academic event, this conference is a celebration of the history of Kerala as a meeting ground of civilizations and a reaffirmation of the responsibility to safeguard and reimagine the legacy of the Spice Routes for the future, Shri Riyas said while opening the meet through videoconferencing.

For centuries, the Spice Routes carried not only pepper, cinnamon and cardamom from the Malabar coast but had also served as a platform for exchange of ideas, beliefs, technologies, artforms and ways of life, the Minister noted.

Kerala is taking the lead in interpreting heritage not as a relic of the past but as a living resource that can inspire cultural dialogue, tourism and inclusive development, Shri Riyas said.

The Spice Routes Heritage Network has been conceived as a platform to promote collaborative research, organize events, undertake joint projects and share resources in fields of history, heritage, preservation, documentation, archiving, archaeological excavations and setting up museums, he said.

“This conference marks an important beginning—a shared journey to reconnect routes, revive memories and build partnerships across borders”, Shri Riyas added.

Presiding over the function, Shri K. N. Unnikrishnan, MLA, said the Spice Routes have played a significant role in shaping history and culture of Kerala, especially that of Kochi and the adjoining areas.

The Chief Guest at the function, Her Excellency Ms. Manal Ataya, Advisor, Sharjah Museums Authority, lauded the organisers of the conference saying it marks a major initiative that will promote a global dialogue and exchange of ideas.

Shri Hibi Eden MP said the story of the Spice Routes has been a fascinating one in history as it connected people from different lands and shaped history and culture of their peoples.

Shri V R Sunil Kumar MLA said that as a gateway that opened Kerala to the world, the Spice Route had played a significant role in shaping its history, and it still holds great potential to attract tourists.

Shri E T Taison Master MLA said this event will promote collaborative academic research into history and help promote heritage tourism in a sustainable manner based on good practices.

Welcoming the gathering, Smt Sikha Surendran, Director, Kerala Tourism, said as a country first initiative,the conference is aimed at rekindling the spirit of the Spice Routes by situating them within the contemporary global discourse, by bringing together scholars, thought leaders and cultural practitioners to engage in meaningful conversations.

Smt Rima Hooja, President, ICOMOS India; Shri D Jagadees, Additional Secretary – Tourism, Government of Kerala; Dr Manoj Kini, MD, KTIL; Shijin P, MD BRDC; Shri Rupeshkumar K, CEO, Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society; Dr. Dileep MR, Director, KITTS; Shri Binu Kuriakose, CEO KATPS; Kerala Travel Mart Society president Shri Jose Pradeep, KTM Secretary Shri S Swaminathan, conference academic curator Shi M H Ilias, Shri Riyas Komu of Azhi Archives, were also present.

Shri Sharon V, Managing Director, Muziris Projects Ltd, proposed a vote of thanks.

On the occasion, Her Excellency Ms. Manal Ataya, released the brochure of Signature Trails and Heritage Walks.

Shri Hibi Eden released three books connected to the history and legacy of Muziris, and also announced the winners of the Map My Heritage competition for students and youth held as part of the event.

The three-day conference feature technical sessions on topics including ‘Governing and Sustaining Transnational Heritage Corridors’; ‘Heritage Tourism: Question of Sustainability’; ‘Reimagining Spice Routes for Tourism’; ‘Digital Spice Routes’; ‘Muziris Re-imagined’ and ‘Knowledge Tradition in the Region’.

A heritage exhibition and cultural programs have also been organised as part of the event.

ENDS