Tamil Nadu sees 34% growth in tourist arrivals

The state is formulating new tourism policy besides developing Rs 500-cr project with assistance of ADB

Tamil Nadu witnessed a growth of 34 per cent in tourist arrivals during 2012 to 187.6 million (184.1 million domestic and 3.5 million foreign) from 140 million (136.7 million domestic and 3.3 million foreign) in 2011.

To boost the sector's prospects, the state is formulating a new tourism policy besides developing a Rs 500- crore project with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

"A new tourism policy is being formulated, which aims to attract more high spending tourists and investment 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 P Chendur Pandian, state tourism minister.

Under Vision 2023, the state government has envisaged an investment of Rs 10,000 crore in tourism and hospitality sectors through government and private sector investments by 2023.

The foreign tourist arrivals targeted for 2023 is 15 million tourists. Tamil Nadu stands second next to Maharashtra in foreign tourist arrivals, said the minister.

According to the department's 2013-14 policy note, two priority circuits have been selected for strengthening tourist infrastructure - East Coast Circuit (pilgrimage and heritage circuit) and Southern Circuit - (pilgrimage and eco circuit)

The East Coast circuit will cover Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai and Tiruchirappalli districts. Tirukkovilur will also be added.

The Southern Circuit covers Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanniyakumari districts, Western Ghats area and Ooty.