Chennai: Not wanting to confine tourism to select destinations alone, the tourism department has embarked on the process of promoting Tamil Nadu as “all seasons, all budget tourist destination" hinging on the principle that tourism is “everybody’s business, so requires people’s participation.” Simultaneously, it would take up the brand promotion campaign to attract more foreign tourists. The aim of this campaign is to welcome about 1.5 crore foreign tourists by 2023 from the present 39.9 lakh foreign tourist arrivals registered last year.
Though a target for receiving domestic tourists has not been set, the state would take appropriate measures to retain its first position among the states in India — a remarkable record achieved in 2013 by receiving 24.43 crore domestic footfalls. “One should be encouraged to travel and savour the culture and tradition of our state. Though for foreigners the best season to visit is during Margazhi (December-January) we have year-long attractions to explore and unwind,” according to a senior tourism official from the state.
Steps would be taken to implement ‘Clean and Green Zones’ in tourist spots in association with the local bodies and also showcase the state as a wellness tourism destination. Tamil Nadu has multifarious attractions like scenic hill stations, long coastline, towering temples, historical and heritage monuments, waterfalls, national parks, backwaters, wildlife and bird sanctuaries, botanical gardens, palaces and forts. These tourist sites would make the sojourn memorable.
Meanwhile, on the eve of World Tourism Day (WTD) celebrations, the state department organised a “tourism awareness walk” from Gandhi Statue to Vivekananda Illam on Marina on Friday. The rally was flagged off by state tourism minister S.P. Shanmuganathan in the presence of Mayor Saidai Duraisamy. Additional chief secretary, tourism, culture and HR&CE departments Dr R. Kannan, commissioner of tourism and TTDC managing director Har Sahay Meena and others participated in the walkathon rally to mark WTD. The department has directed all tourist officers across districts in Tamil Nadu to organise events to celebrate the World Tourism Day on the theme: Tourism and Community Development on Saturday.
