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Tourism
DEMAND NO.28
POLICY NOTE - 2002-2003
Hill Area Development Programme
For the promotion of tourism and allied activities in Nilgiris District, various schemes are being implemented under Hill Area Development Programme A sum of Rs.55.50 lakhs was sanctioned under Hill Area Development Programme during the year 2001-2002 for the following schemes:-
- 1) Construction of additional boat house at Ooty Lake - Rs.30.00 lakhs
- 2) Providing cement concrete foot path, handrails and seating arrangements at Pykara Boat House - Rs. 5.00 lakhs
- 3) Formation of artificial fountains in Ooty Lake - Rs. 2.50 lakhs
- 4) Improvements and additional facilities to Kodanad View Point - Rs. 2.00 lakhs
- 5) Improvements and additional facilities at Dolphins Nose - Rs. 3.00 lakhs
- 6) Improvements and additional facilities at Lambs rock - Rs. 3.00 lakhs
- 7) Improvements and toilet facilities at Burliar - Rs. 3.00 lakhs
- 8) Improvements to the drainage system at Central Bus Stand, Ooty - Rs. 5.00 lakhs
- 9) Improvements at Doddabetta View Point and Lady Canning's seat - Rs. 2.00 lakhs
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Total - Rs. 55.50 lakhs
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Tourism Industry and Private Investment
Tourism Policy of the Government of Tamil Nadu includes among others "Encouraging Private Sector Investment". Availability of quality accommodation in the State is a pre-requisite for tourism promotion. It is therefore proposed to encourage private entrepreneurs to put up new hotels both in private and Government land. The Government land will be made available to them at reasonable lease rent. This would give a fillip to the Tourism Development in the State. During March 2002, the District Collector, Kanniyakumari has identified 31 acres of Government poromboke land for this purpose
During this year it is proposed to construct three star category Hotels at Nagore, Velankanni, Thiruvannamalai and Palani through joint venture involving private entrepreneurs. Lands have been identified for the construction of three star hotels at these places.
Infrastructure
A sum of Rupees Five Crores was sanctioned during 2001-2002 for provision of infrastructure at important tourist spots covering fifteen districts. The details of schemes and the funds allotted are given in Annexure -3.
Provision of infrastructure at the tourist places of the rest of the Districts will be undertaken during 2002-03.
Perspective Plan
It is realised that only a co-ordinated growth of Tourism industry in Tamil Nadu can result in significant inflow of tourists into Tamil Nadu. To stimulate and sustain such growth it is essential to have a Perspective Plan.
Therefore a Perspective Plan for the integrated development of tourism for the entire Tamil Nadu will be prepared with the financial assistance of Government of India. This perspective plan will cover the next twenty years.(2002-2022). The agency for the preparation of Perspective Plan has been selected by the Government of India. The details are awaited from the Government of India.
Development of Pilgrim Centre of Arulmigu Kailasanathar Temple, Kancheepuram.
Considering the cultural heritage and importance of Kancheepuram, this Department is taking various efforts to develop Kancheepuram as a major tourist/ pilgrim centre. The scheme of improvement of environs around Arulmigu Ekambareswarar temple is under progress. During this year, it is proposed to develop Arulmigu Kailasanathar Temple and its surroundings at a cost of Rs.40.00 lakhs with the assistance of Government of India. Similar pilgrim centres will be identified and developed with assistance of the Government of India in due course.
Development of Gingee (SENJI)
Gingee is a famous historical monument located in Villupuram District. During 2002-2003, infrastructural facilities will be provided at Gingee at a cost of Rs.46.00 lakhs with the financial assistance of Government of India.
Boat Houses
The boat houses are a major tourist attraction. At present ten boat houses are in operation by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation at important tourist spots. During the year 2001-2002 funds as detailed below have been sanctioned for the upgradation of Boat Houses:-
Government of India Assistance
1) Muttukadu Rs. 20.00 lakhs
2) Kodaikanal Rs. 4.00 lakhs
(Western Ghats Development Programme)
State Government Assistance
1) Kolavoi lake Rs.15.00 lakhs
2) Mudaliar Kuppam Rs.16.00 lakhs
(Edaikazhinadu)
3) Muttukadu Rs. 4.00 lakhs
During this year, new boat houses will be set up at Alamparai and Edaikazhinadu on the East Coast Road in Kancheepuram District, in Adyar River near Kotturpuram Bridge in Chennai and Nainarkulam in Tirunelveli District. The Boat house at Kolavai Lake in Chengalpattu has been restructured by giving a face lift during December 2001 thereby increasing its turn over from Rs.5,000 to Rs.40,000/- per month.
House Boats
House Boats are very popular in Kerala. Hence, it has been proposed to operate similar House Boats in Pykara, Muttukadu and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu. This will be the first of its kind in Tamil Nadu and will attract overseas tourists in large numbers.
Sound and Light Programme
The Sound and Light Show at Tirumalai Naicker Mahal, Madurai, which had remained suspended from 14.8.1999 onwards was resumed with effect from 3.12.2001. It is also proposed to set up similar Sound and Light Shows at Kancheepuram (Arulmigu Ekambareswarar Temple complex) and Mamallapuram. Scripts are under preparation in this regard.
Development and upkeep of Beaches
Beach Tourism is popular world over. 1000 kms. long coast line has to be tapped properly and put into use aesthetically. In this direction, during 2001-2002 a sum of Rs.10.25 lakhs was sanctioned for the development of Beach at Thoothukudi. The development of Nagapattinam Beach with the GOI assistance at a cost of Rs.15.00 lakhs will be taken up during this year. Cleaning has been launched at Marina and Elliots Beaches in Chennai. Similarly, the other important Beaches along the 1000 - km. long coastline of Tamil Nadu will be developed during 2002-2003. The Non-Governmental Organisations have been involved in this process.
Guide Training
To utilise the services of well qualified guides to provide authenticated information to tourists, it is proposed to train a minimum of 60 Guides through Anna Institute of Management during this year.
Village Tourism
It is a new concept in the field of tourism. Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, said, "India lives in its villages". The villages in Tamil Nadu are a treasure of unadulterated culture, fine arts, martial arts, handicrafts, herbal cures etc. The tourists especially foreigners show keen interest in watching the day-to-day activities of Indian villages. Therefore, it shall be our endeavour to promote " Village Tourism" among domestic and foreign tourists in order to popularise the rich cultural heritage of our State. To begin with, the following six villages have been taken up for development during 2002-2003:-
- a. Thiruvadavur in Madurai District
- b. Purisai in Thiruvannamalai District
- c. Sirunkundram in Kancheepuram District
- d. Suthamalli in Tirunelveli District
- e. Tirumalaikeni in Dindigul District
- f. Deivacheyalpuram in Thoothukudi District
During 2002-03 more such villages will be identified for development.
Jungle Lodges
Steps have been taken to construct a jungle lodge at Kodiakkarai (Point Calimere) in Nagapattinam District at a cost of Rs.34.45 lakhs. Construction of more jungle lodges will be examined during 2002-2003.
Development of Less Known Hill Stations / Tourism Spots
During the year 2001-2002, funds for the development of the following less known Hill Stations/ Tourism Spots have been sanctioned:-
Rs. in lakhs
1) Javadhu Hills,Thiruvannamalai Dt. 20.00
2) Gangaikondachozhapuram, Ariyalur Dt. 35.00
3) Pilavakkal Dam, Virudhunagar Dt. 20.00
4) Kolli hills, Namakkal Dt 20.00
5) Suruli falls, Theni Dt. 12.00
6) Kumbakarai falls, Theni Dt. 15.00
7) Pambar Dam, Dharmapuri Dt. 20.00
8) Kelavarapalli reservoir, Dharmapuri Dt. 20.00
9) Krishnagiri reservoir, Dharmapuri Dt. 20.00
Government of India Assisted Scheme
10)Puliancholai, Tiruchirappalli Dt. 35.00
11)Yelagiri, Vellore Dt. 40.00
During 2002-2003 more number of less known Hill Stations and other Tourism spots will be identified and developed.
Adventure Water Sports
Tamil Nadu, with its 1000 km. long East Coast and vast stretch of water spread areas in lakes has tremendous potential to promote Adventure Water Sports.
Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation has taken the lead in this sector by promoting Adventure Water Sports at Muttukadu in association with private sector from 27th September 2001. Eight varieties of Adventure Water Sports (Water Ski, Wake Boards, Knee Boards, Jet Ski, Water Scooter, Banana Boats, Wind surfing and Tube ride ) have been introduced at this place which has been acclaimed by the Press and the Public. Similar sports would be introduced in Kolavoi lake in Chengalpattu, Ooty and Kodaikanal during 2002-2003. Similarly, Para sailing in the Marina Beach has been introduced on regular basis. Hang gliding at St.Thomas Mount will be introduced from May 2002 onwards.
Ethnic Village
The Tourism Department has proposed to set up "Ethnic Village" (mega tourism project) on the East Coast Road. This project will contain a mini India representing and depicting all the prominent States of India in miniature form (reflecting the culture and heritage of India), Convention Centre, Shopping Arcade, Disney land, Ethnic Village (reflecting the Heritage of Tamil Nadu), Handicrafts Emporia of all States, Art Gallery, Yoga Centre, Spiritual Kendra, Food court, Tourist Information Centre, Golf Course and Helipad.
The land lying between Muttukadu and Mamallapuram (about 632 Hectares ) on the East Coast Road has been identified by this Department for this purpose. These lands are patta lands belonging to Temples and Charitable Trusts coming under the control of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. The Special Commissioner and Commissioner for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department has therefore been requested to place the land at the disposal of the Tourism Department on long term lease basis i.e. 35 years.
Garden of Peace
As announced by His Excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu, just as the Statue of Liberty symbolizes the spirit of American freedom and democracy, a "Garden of Peace" with a statue symbolizing communal, religious and cultural harmony, will be established on the outskirts of Chennai city. This complex will house a huge convention hall, a large meditation hall with symbols of all religions, a library and a bookstore devoted exclusively to books relating to different religions. This project will be made a living embodiment of universal peace and a tourist spot patronized by Indians and foreigners alike.
The design of the statue will be finalised after inviting models from leading Architects / Sculptors.
Tourism Promotion and Publicity
Publicity through mass, print and electronic media give new dimension to promotion and marketing of tourism interests. Effective publicity and creating a brand image is vital for attracting tourists. The publicity materials like brochures, posters, maps were edited and redesigned matching the international standards. These have been distributed through tourist offices and tourist information centres, Government of India Tourist Offices in India and abroad and in travel marts.
Aggressive publicity campaign will be conducted in major Cities in India and in potential overseas markets. An Advertisement blitzkrieg has been launched through various media like newspapers, magazines, TV's and Internet etc.
Special folders
Folders have been restructured and brought out with a very high quality. These folders have already been distributed at WTM, London in December 2001 and at ITB, Berlin during March 2002. More such publications of International standard will be printed during 2002-2003.
Printing of folders in Foreign/Indian Languages
As part of the steps to lure more number of tourists to Tamil Nadu, it has been proposed to print Tourist folders in French, German, Japanese, Bengali, Hindi, Telugu and Kannada.
Guide Book on Tamil Nadu
A detailed guide book on Tamil Nadu will be printed shortly for the benefit of the Tourists.
Publicity Campaign
Tourism potential of Tamil Nadu is being popularised in seven States out side Tamil Nadu through our tourist offices / tourist information centres. To publicise Tamil Nadu's tourism potential in other State Capitals like Bhuvaneswar, Ahmedabad, Bhopal and in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it is proposed to conduct intensive publicity campaign during 2002-03.
 
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