Chennai: Though Tamil Nadu has always been projected as a pilgrim destination, it is emerging as an ideal destination for heritage trails and for leisure too. The numerous attractions is driving much of the tourist traffic to the state.The state is fast emerging as an increasingly popular destination among foreigners too and with the government laying emphasis on encouraging inbound tourism and improving connectivity and amenities, Tamil Nadu will surpass the neighbouring states in emerging as an ideal holidaying spot, claims a senior official with the tourism department.
Though a trip to the state would not be complete without visiting the ancient temples, churches or mosques, the forts and over 44 lesser-known destinations identified by the tourism department have been steadily luring the visitors. Even the hospitality sector is gearing up to welcome more visitors. “With its growing popularity as a tourism destination, the Tamil Nadu capital is a key growth city for us. With its proximity to both the business district and tourist attractions such as the UNESCO world heritage site at Mahabalipuram, the location of the new InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort is second to none,” says Shantha de Silva, Head of South West Asia, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).
The luxury international brand has recently tied up the Adyar Gate Hotels Limited to manage the Mahabalipuram resort with 106 rooms and will be one of the first five star beach resorts around the east coast of India, designed with a huge focus on environmental planning and design.
“Domestic tourism has seen an increase in leisure, wellness and pilgrim segments. Kerala has always been the top choice. But there is also an equal demand for holiday destinations in Tamil Nadu,” says a N. Ravi, CEO of TourBoss – an inbound tour operator.
