T.N. government to develop tourism infrastructure to attract foreign visitors

The Tamil Nadu government plans to enhance its tourism infrastructure across the state to establish specific locations as international tourist destinations, as announced by Tourism Minister S. Rajesh Kumar in Coimbatore. Kumar highlighted that foreign visitors visiting Tamil Nadu seek safety and proper infrastructure facilities.

The state is renowned for its safety, and now the focus is on developing necessary infrastructure. A joint project with the Central government aims to transform Mamallapuram into an international destination this year, with an investment of ₹200 crore. The government plans to promote river tourism along three rivers, allocate funds for spiritual tourism among senior citizens, religious place development, and forest tourism, and involve the private sector through public-private partnerships.

River tourism will be entirely developed by the government. The State government intends to develop tourism destinations in every revenue district. V. Sampathkumar, Minister for Backward Classes, emphasized that tourism not only generates employment but also improves local livelihoods and fosters cultural exchange. Although Coimbatore lacks significant tourism attractions, it ranks second in the State in tourist arrivals, with people visiting for its industries, educational institutions, healthcare, agriculture, and forests.

District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar informed that the district receives approximately 1.5 crore tourists annually, attracting GCC investments due to its world-class hospitals and educational institutions situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats. Venkatesan Dhattareyan, Southern Regional Director of the Union Ministry of Tourism, stated that Tamil Nadu ranks second in domestic tourists and seventh in foreign visitors.

The State contributes 8.5% of all domestic travelers and 6.5% of total foreign visitors, underscoring its vast tourism potential with well-developed air, sea ports, and road connectivity. He encouraged SKAL members to promote travel clubs in schools.