New Tourism Policy

Implementing their decade long tourism policy next year, Tamil Nadu recognises its tourism potential and focusses on strengthening the state infrastructure.

DEVIKA JEET In

the recent statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism, Tamil Nadu received the second highest number of foreign tourists and the third largest number of domestic tourist among all the Indian states.

“We are a culture-based south Indian state and we have been constantly learning and improving to attract tourists. With the new government being in power, smooth stay for foreigners was looked into and included, the law and order, peaceful stays, travel and food. All facilities are looked into to help make any trip to Tamil Nadu peaceful and enjoyable,” says S Gokula Indira, Minister for Tourism, Tamil Nadu.

This year, the Ministry of Tourism has been working on the new tourism policy, “We are going to work, in a big way, on a new tourism policy which will be in line with the vision 2023, laid down by our Chief Minister. We are looking at a broader span of time in the next 10 years for this plan and will lay down the strategy and action plan for the same. 2013 will be incorporated in this,” says Hemant K Sinha, Chairman and Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation.

Following aggressive marketing plans, “Tamil Nadu has been strong in creating good infrastructure and we also have a very good connectivity. In the past, we have focussed on the core issues of infrastructure, improving connectivity, basic hoteling, internal routes, power, security and all kind of communication mediums,” elaborates Sinha.

Discussing some of the problems faced by the Tourism Board, Sinha highlights recessions and the need to change strategy for new markets. “We feel that we need to change our strategy and reach newer markets. We have a strong clientele from USA, UK and Europe. We see a very strong potential to reach the gulf areas for Medical Tourism. We can also tie up with markets from South East Asia and can compete with them by attracting travellers to the state,” elaborates Sinha.

The Minister especially discussed about the infrastructure development that is being worked on. “We have called investors and are showing them potential land. We have a very long beach from Chennai to Kanyakumari and we expect private investments in this regard,” says Indira.

On regular interaction with the trade, “We are planning a full day promotion and interaction with the leading tour operators,” explains Sinha while further adding, “We are popular with repeat tourists, as the USP of the state is definitely its variety and diversity and sky is the limit for us, because of Tamil Nadu’s geography.”