Tourist arrivals in Tamil Nadu up 34%

To boost the sector, a new tourism policy is being formulated

Number of tourist arrival in the state rose by 34.1 per cent in 2012 to 187.6 million from 140 million. Meanwhile, to boost the sector further the Government is formulating a new Tourism Policy and to take up Rs 500 crore worth project, with Asian Development Bank (ADB's) assistance.

P Chendur Pandian, Minister for Tourism, Tamil Nadu Government said that tourist arrivals in 2012 was 187.6 million, includes 184.1 million domestic and 3.5 million foreign tourists, as compared to 140 million (includes 136.7 million and 3.3 million foriegn) in 2011 and 105.8 million in 2010 includes 103 million and 2.8 million domestic and foreign tourists respectively.

Tamil Nadu stands second next to Maharashtra in Foreign tourist arrivals, and third in domestic Tourist Arrivals and aims to achieve number one position, said the Minister.

The Minister attributed the increase in the flow to aggressive promotion and marketing campaigns, creation and upgradation of basic amenities and infrastructure at tourist spots have resulted in the increase.

He noted, Vision 2023 envisages an investment of Rs 10,000 crore in Tourism and Hospitality sectors through Government and Private investments by 2023. The foreign tourist arrivals targeted for 2023 is 15 million tourists.

“A new Tourism Policy is being formulated, which aims to attract more high spending tourists and also investments in tourism and hospitality related infrastructure. The Policy will also ensure employment for skilled and unskilled persons, besides inclusive development for the local people,” said the Minister.

According to Department's 2013-14 Policy note, ADB has formulated the Technical Assistance (TA) program to enhance the capacities of tourism department and other associated implementing agencies in Tamil Nadu.

Total outlay of ADB assisted Project is around $ 100 million (around Rs 500 crore) for the period of five years. The Project will be funded through the assistance of ADB to an extent of 70 per cent (around Rs 350 crore) and balance 30 per cent (around Rs 150 crore) through State funds.

The Note stated that two priority Circuits have been selected for strengthening tourist infrastructure East Coast Circuit - (Pilgrimage and Heritage Circuit) covering Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai and Tiruchirappalli Districts. Tirukkovilur will also be added.

The Southern Circuit - (Pilgrimage and Eco Circuit) covering Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanniyakumari Districts and Western Ghats area. Ooty has been added.

The East-Coast Circuit will be taken up first along with Western Ghats, followed by the Southern Circuit. 15 sub-projects have been finalised for taking up in Tranche-I of the ADB project.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, with the objective of providing infrastructure in all the major Tourist destinations in the State. TTDC has made rapid strides over the years and has earned the proud distinction of owning one of the longest chain of 55 hotels in South India.

TTDC has reported a net profit of Rs 12.50 crore in 2012-13 as compared to Rs 13.5 crore in 2011-12. Turnover rose to Rs 105 crore from Rs 102.34 crore.