TN eyeing to generate more revenue from cruise tourists

With an aim to generate more revenue from cruise tourists, Tamil Nadu government has suggested operators to modify their tour packages so that visitors spend more time on shore, the Assembly was informed today.
"The tourism department has suggested the operators to modify the tours, so as to make them (tourists) spend more time on shore and visit more tourist places for a minimum of three to four days," Tourism Minister Vellamandi N Natarajan said and noted that ports at Tuticorin and here are attracting cruise vessels.
This will help generate more revenue and give an opportunity to spend money on other travel-related areas and shopping. This will also help the economy of the state and the country, he said, adding, two cruise ships had arrived here this year.

Natarajan said Tamil Nadu had attracted about 33.81 crore domestic and foreign tourists last year and stood first in the country in 2014 and 2015.
"Steps including targeted promotional strategies and extensive marketing campaigns, besides upgradation of basic amenities in tourist destinations would be taken to sustain the top position in tourist arrivals," he said.
Natarajan also announced several new initiatives, including preparation of a 'Cultural Atlas' with Information Tags for various important tourist sites, especially those with heritage and historical values.