Government of Tamil Nadu Welcomes You

Tourism is a field of human activity known to mankind from time immemorial. It cuts across barriers of caste, colour, creed and builds universal brotherhood. The world's oldest industry is also one of the largest and fastest growing industries today. It is basically a service-oriented industry, which is capable of generating massive employment opportunities and huge foreign exchange. Hence, for the development of Tourism in Tamil Nadu, the Department of Tourism and Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) were formed. The Department of Tourism concentrated on dissemination of information and implementation of schemes for the benefit of tourists. The TTDC on the other hand was assigned the job of conducting package tours and running of Hotels (Hotel Tamil Nadu). Over the years, the Tourism Industry in Tamil Nadu has registered a good growth. During such period, there was enormous scope for us to interact not only with the tourists from across the globe but also with the private travel agents, tour operators and hotel owners. During the same period, the Department of Tourism have received valuable feedback through its field offices. On analyzing the tourism scenario, we found that the infrastructure facilities provided to the Tourists at Tourist Spots necessarily require upgradation to that of international standards. The expectations of the tourists are also very high. The provision of high standard infrastructure such as Construction of star category hotels, amusement / theme parks etc. require massive investment. Hence, the Government is of the view that the tourism industry need to be developed through private sector and the Government has to perform the role of a "service facilitator" rather than "service provider". With this radical change in our policy, we intend to build a long range public-private partnership on a sustainable basis.

The terrorist attack on World Trade Centre, New York in September 2001, Global economic slowdown and climatic / ecological crisis severely hampered tourism activity at the global level during the last two years. It also had some impact on tourist arrivals to India. However, the actual effect on the tourist inflow to Tamil Nadu was very negligible. Now, the Tourism Industry is slowly but steadily limping back to normalcy. France remained the most popular tourist destination in the world in the year 2002 with an arrival of 76.7 million foreign tourists. There are about 700 million Tourists world wide, who spend approximately 460 billion US Dollars on tourist activities every year. Tourism also accounts for 10% of the jobs world over. India gets only about 2.5. million foreign tourists every year.

In Tamil Nadu while 75% of the Tourists visit to enjoy their leisure, others combine with business, education, auspicious occasions, political/ religious / social Conferences, pilgrimage etc. Keeping the Tourism products in mind the Government are attempting to meet the requirements of all types of tourists. The Tourists visiting Tamil Nadu are drawn from all walks of life and from various countries across the globe, whose colour, religion, race, creed, language, expectations and food habits vary greatly. With a view to ensure a well targeted and focused attention visiting tourists are classified as follows:

Such a classification has enabled the Tourism Department to plan the itinerary, food, accommodation, transport etc to suit the specific needs of each category of tourists. It is also expected that this exercise will ultimately result in attracting more tourists and induce them to stay for a longer period in Tamil Nadu.

The number of foreign tourists who visited India during the last five years is as follows:-

Tourism in India remains one of the largest foreign exchange earners, next only to gems, jewellery and garments. During 2001, the foreign exchange earned by Tourism in our country was estimated to be Rs.14,344/ Crores.

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India have estimated that every Rs.10.00 lakhs invested in Tourism created 47.5 jobs. The same amount if invested in Agriculture & Manufacturing sector can create only 44.7 and 12.6 jobs respectively. Today, the direct employment generated by Tourism is estimated to be 164.5 lakhs. Indirect employment is much higher at 223.7 lakhs. A sample survey by the World Tourism Council, which uses a methodology called " Tourism Satellite Account " concludes that jobs generated by Tourism could rise from today's 2.4% to 6.8% in ten years which means 80 lakhs new jobs. Similarly, in respect of hotel industry, it is estimated that an investment of Rs.10.00 lakhs will give direct employment to 12 persons and five rooms in a five star hotel on an average gives direct employment to eight persons.

The national development council had approved the 10th five year (2002-2007) plan on 21-12-02, which proposes to generate employment for 5 crore persons, Obviously, the Tourism Industry is bound to play a very significant role in this massive task.

Tourists visit Tamil Nadu throughout the year out of their sheer desire. Nature has bestowed Tamil Nadu with bountiful tourism products. To supplement these our ancestors too have given us Temples, magnificent architectures etc that serve as great tourists attractions. Tamil Nadu is a fascinating state, virtually invaded by tourists throughout the year. We all know that Tamil Nadu is a place of Enduring Heritage and a higher state of mind where technology co-exists with tradition and where ancient architecture/heritage, social values and contemporary vitality blend extremely harmoniously. Tamil Nadu enjoys the third position in India in terms of tourist arrivals.

The tourist wealth of Tamil Nadu can be broadly classified under the following heads:-

The number of tourists who visited Tamil Nadu during the last five years is furnished below: -

b) To increase the period of stay of domestic tourists from 7-9 to 10-12 days and foreign tourists from 4-7 to 6-8 days.

c) To evolve a Government led, private sector driven and community oriented framework.

d) To fully exploit tourism potentials for employment generation and poverty alleviation.

e) To Recognise the deep-rooted innate relationship between 'Tourism and Culture ' and promote as such.

h) To expand the product base to have more effective co-ordination with other States

i) To make extensive use of Technological advancements and information technology

k) To take fruitful steps to attract ethnic tourists from the neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius Reunion Islands etc.

l) To eradicate the beggar/Touts menace at Tourist Spots in Tamil Nadu and to keep the environs of all the tourist spots clean.

4.2) The strategies to be adopted to achieve the above objectives are as follows:-

- Aggressive marketing would be adopted to publicise the tourist potential of Tamil Nadu
both Nationally and internationally

- Screening of documentaries in theatres, railway stations, airports, bus termini etc.

- Large revenue generating projects like ropeway, Sound and light shows, cruises etc

Project proposals submitted by the private entrepreneurs to be cleared through ' Single window clearance' system.

Steps to be taken to attract more foreign tourists especially from ethnic countries and NRIs.

Expand the product range by introducing new festivals at more Tourist Centres, which will highlight the salient features of Tamil Culture and heritage.

Tamil Nadu has a spectacular long coastline. Amusement Park to be set up with Private participation.

Preservation of Eco-Tourism centres like hill stations, water falls, beaches, mangrove forests etc.

Exploit natural resources by maintaining complete harmony with nature and without endangering the otherwise extremely fragile ecology.

Introduction of trekking, boating, water sports, hang gliding etc by refining and repackaging the available products.

MOUs signed with Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, India Tourism Development Corporation, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Rajasthan, Delhi and Orissa for developing suitable Inter-regional Circuits..

Tie-up arrangements with Tourism Departments of West Bengal, Kerala, Maharashtra, Andaman and Nicobar Islands being finalised for development of Tourism.

E-mail, web site, touch screen, Documentaries in film/Video format and CD Rom facilities established by the Department

Computerisation of the various units under the control of Commissionerate of Tourism and Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation.

Online booking facilities for the tours and accommodation in Hotels run by TTDC to be made possible shortly.

5.1) Government of India's New Policy for funding Tourism Development schemes in States.

During the Seventh, Eighth, Ninth Five Year Plans, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India was assisting the State Governments/UT Administrations to undertake large number of small and isolated Tourism projects spread through out the length and breath of the country resulting in the resources being spread very thinly. This could not create any major impact on the development of tourism infrastructures in the country. In order to provide a quick and substantial impact to tourism growth in the Tenth Five Year Plan, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture has proposed new schemes for the development and promotion of tourism in the country out of this there are several schemes pertaining to Tamil Nadu.

Under this scheme, Government of India has identified 25 Tourism circuits across the country, which would be developed to International standards. Out of these 25 Tourism circuits, 2 are in Tamil Nadu

The Government of India will prepare the master plans for these Tourism circuits and would fully fund the schemes.

Under this scheme Integrated development of one selected tourist destination will be taken up every year in each State. This scheme will be funded by Government of India on 90:10 basis (Central: State). Major activities that would be undertaken under this scheme are Improvements to surroundings of destination, Illumination, Sewage facilities, wayside facilities, refurbishment of monuments, signages, Tourist Information centres etc.

The following proposals have been sent to Ministry of Tourism, Government of India during 2002-2003 seeking financial assistance.

5. Provision of flood lighting to Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur - Rs.16.50 lakhs

Out of the above said five schemes, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India have accorded sanction for the following schemes in 2002-2003:-

3. Provision of flood lighting to Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur Rs.16.50 lakhs

While inaugurating the various District Development projects at Kancheepuram on 8.2.2003, the Hon'ble Chief Minister also launched the Integrated Development of Mamallapuram.

Under the II Phase, the following works will be taken up during 2003-2004 (i.e. after the completion of first phase works). Development of Arjuna's Penance Area, Development of Dolotsava Mandapam / Bothath Alwar Mandapam, Shifting of the High School, Primary School and Balwadi from their present location and construction of new building for Higher Secondary School, Primary School and Balwadi, Development of Tiger Cave Area, Development of lands around Mukuntha Nayanar Temple, Development of lands belonging to TTDC and Labour Department Construction of new Bus Stand.

The total cost of the Project is expected to be around Rs.19.00 crores, out of which state Government's contribution towards alienation and acquisition of lands would be around Rs 2.43 crores.

Under this scheme, the Government of India will provide grant to act as a catalyst for large revenue generating projects like Amusement park, Ropeway, Cruise terminals, Air park, Sound and light show etc. through State Tourism Development Corporations. Detailed plans are being prepared for the above schemes.

Up to 2001 - 2002 financial assistance was being provided for the schemes recommended by the State Government and prioritised by Government of India. The State Government also provided matching grant for the schemes sanctioned by Government of India. The details of schemes sanctioned up to 2001 - 2002 and completed in 2002 - 2003 are given below :-

Name of the Scheme	GOI share	State Share	Other Sources	Total Project cost
1.Walkway/Pavement along the Beach near Gandhi Mandapam & Swimming Pool in Kanniyakumari	25.00	25.00	--	50.00
2.High Mast light at Tiruchirappalli	11.35	--	2.90	14.25
3. Construction of Wayside facilities at Vattakottai	20.00	5.00	--	25.00
4.Construction of View Tower at Kanniyakumari	30.00	5.00	--	35.00
5.Improvement of environs around Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai ( Phase - I)	15.00	7.50	--	22.50
6. Refurbishment of Rani Mangammal Choultry at Madurai	10.00	5.00	--	15.00
7. Upgradation of existing tourist facilities at Mamallapuram, Kodaikanal and Kanniyakumari	60.00	60.00	--	120.00

DETAILS OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ASSISTED SCHEMES WHICH ARE LIKELY TO BE COMPLETED DURING 2003-2004

Name of the Scheme	GOI share	State Share	Other Sources	Total Project cost
1. Public convenience at Hogenakkal	12.00	4.00	0	16.00
2. Public convenience at Nagore	12.00	4.00	0	16.00
3. Public convenience at Velankanni	12.00	0	4.00	16.00
4. Improvement of environs at Hogenakkal	13.40	0	6.60	20.00
5.Refurbishment of Thanjavur Palace	15.00	7.50	0	22.50
6.Improvement of environs around Big Temple, Thanjavur	15.00	0	7.50	22.50
7.Construction of additional rooms in the Wayside facilities at Thiruthani	20.00	5.00	0	25.00
8. Integrated development of Vellore Fort	26.60	13.40	0	40.00
9. Improvement of environs around Srirangam & Thiruvanai -kavalTemples in Tiruchirappalli District	15.00	6.65	0	21.65
10.Development of Nature Trails at Yercaud (Salem Dist.) and Elagiri (Vellore Dist.)	4.00	0	0	4.00
11. Improvement of environs around Arulmighu Ekambareswarar Temple, Kancheepuram	15.00	7.50	0	22.50
12. Construction of Tourist Complex at Kancheepuram	24.60	6.15	0	30.75
13.Improvement of environs around Arulmighu Meenakshi Amman Temple (Phase II)	9.00	0	3.00	12.00
14.Improvement of the environs around Five Rathas and Shore Temple, Mamallapuram	15.00	7.50	5.33	27.83
15. Improvement of infrastructure at Rameswaram	28.50	28.50	0	57.00
16. Introduction of Glass Bottom Boats in Kurusadai Island near Mandapam	18.90	0	0	18.90
17. Public convenience at Kanniyakumari	12.00	4.35	0	16.35
18. Public convenience near Arulmighu Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kancheepuram	12.00	0	4.00	16.00
19. Provision of Drinking water facilities at Kanniyakumari	15.00	0	15.00	30.00
20. Parking lot at Kodaikanal	20.00	0	10.00	30.00
21. Parking lot at Thiruthani	20.00	0	5.00	25.00
22 Development of parking lot at Thirumalai Naicker Mahal at Madurai	16.00	0	4.00	20.00
23. Promotion of Eco-Tourism at Pitchavaram	50.00	0	5.55	55.55
24. Forest Lodge at Kodiakkarai	25.00	4.45	5.00	34.45
25. High Mast Light at Thanjavur	20.00	0	1.50	21.50
26. Yatri Niwas and Parking lot at Madurai	38.10	0	14.00	52.10
27. Landscaping, Walkway and Lighting at Nagapattinam Beach	9.00	0	9.00	18.00
28. Promotion of Village Tourism at Suthamalli in Tirunelveli District	10.00	0	10.00	20.00
29. Development of Puliancholai in Tiruchirappalli District as Picnic Spot.	17.50	17.50	0	35.00
30. Improvement of Boat Jetty and Purchase of Boats for Muttukadu Boat House (Special Tourism Area)	20.00	0	0	20.00
31. Computerisation of Tourism Dept. & TTDC and Providing Widearea Network (WAN) connectivity	50.00	0	0	50.00
Total	590.60	116.50	109.48	816.58

5.3) DETAILS OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ASSISTED SCHEMES WHICH WILL BE TAKEN UP FOR IMPLEMENTATION DURING 2003-2004 (Rs. in lakhs)

Name of the Scheme	GOI share	State Share	Other Sources	Total Project cost
1. Construction of Yatri Niwas at Thiruvannamalai	39.10	5.00	--	44.10
2. Provision of Public convenience at Thiruchendur	16.00	-	8.00	24.00
3. Public convenience at Thiruverkadu–Thiruvallur Dist.	12.00	4.00	-	16.00
4. Development of parking lot at Kanniyakumari	50.00	-	50.00	100.00
5. Provision of Parking Lot at Mamallapuram	12.00	-	12.00	24.00
6. Refurbishment of Vellore Fort	15.00	7.50	-	22.50
7. Modernisation of Sound and Light Show at Thirumalai Naicker Mahal, Madurai	54.65	41.53	00	96.18
8. Landscaping, Walkway and Lighting at Elliots Beach, Chennai	15.00	-	23.53	38.53
9. Construction of Yatri Niwas at Elagiri (Vellore District)	30.00	-	10.00	40.00
10. Development of Ghats and Lake at Yercaud	7.50	-	7.50	15.00
11. Improvement of infrastructure at Mamallapuram	13.33	6.66	-	19.99
12. Production of CD-ROM	1.60	-	-	1.60
13. Provision of Touch Screen	23.50	-	-	23.50
14. Development of Monuments -Arjuna Penance, Mamallapuram	11.25	11.25	-	22.50
15. Development of Picnic Spot at Veedur Dam, Villupuram District	5.00	5.00	-	10.00
16. Construction of Tourism Reception Centre, Kanniyakumari	45.00	15.00	-	60.00
17. High Mast Light at Thiruthani	7.00	3.00	-	10.00
18. High Mast Light at Thirukazhukundram	7.00	3.00	-	10.00
19. High Mast Light at Thiruvannamalai	7.00	3.00	-	10.00
20. Improvement of infrastructure at Gingee	37.50	37.50	-	75.00
21. Development of Pilgrim Centre - Arulmighu Kailasanathar Temple at Kancheepuram,	40.00	10.00	37.00	87.00
Total	449.43	152.44	148.03	749.90

For the promotion of tourism and related activities in Nilgiris District, various schemes are being implemented under Hill Area Development Programme. A sum of Rs.50.00 lakhs was sanctioned under Hill Area Development Programme during the year 2002-2003 for the following schemes, which are under progress.

During 2003 - 2004, it is proposed to take up the following tourism developmental activities in Nilgiris District under Hill Area Development Programme

After Mamallapuram, it is proposed to take up Integrated Development of Kanniyakumari during 2003-2004. The cost of the project will be shared by Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu. It is expected that the Government of India will extend financial assistance upto Rs.6.00 Crores for this project.

It is proposed to provide required infrastructure facilities and basic amenities at these destinations with the assistance from Government of India . A Master Plan for this circuit would be prepared during 2003-2004 and sent to Government of India for approval.