<h1>Tourism up 6.23% year-on-year; contributes 16.43% of GDP as regulations curb illicit sub-letting and expand services</h1> From January to September year-on-year, the state recorded a 6.23% rise in tourist arrivals, with domestic visitors up 5.36% and international arrivals up 29.33%. Tourism contributes about 16.43% of state GDP and supplies 40-45% of direct and indirect employment. The government reported enforcement measures against illicit sub-letting of beachfront concessions, canceling six licences, and introduced timely permitting for shacks and watersports. New regulatory initiatives include notifications of Aerosports and Wellness Tourism policies, a registration system for beach photographers, a certified tourism facilitator programme, and central funding allocations for infrastructure projects.