The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Package to create tourist-friendly environment

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Package to create tourist-friendly environment

Special Correspondent

The aim is to draw in more tourists, retain them for longer period

CHENNAI: To create a more tourist-friendly environment in Tamil Nadu, the Tourism Department will execute a comprehensive package, "Virunthinar Potruthum, Virunthinar Potruthum."

The project is aimed at drawing in more tourists, retaining them for a longer period and getting them to spend more in the State, Information and Tourism secretary V. Irai Anbu said on Tuesday.

A seminar on tourism held recently suggested several aspects related to the industry required greater attention. A series of consultations would be held, each focussing on one key concept, he said.

The first such consultation, held in Chennai on Tuesday with representatives of the industry and auto drivers, focussed on fostering a `tourism-friendly culture.' Since the first line of contact for foreign tourists was cab/autorickshaw drivers, it was important to create the right impression on the tourists and make them feel comfortable. The autorickshaw drivers would be only one component of a large network of persons and organisations associated with the industry. Incentives would also be given to the good performers.

Minister for Tourism Suresh Rajan said tourism was priority for the Government. It was one industry that had great potential for revenue and employment generation. It was necessary to fall back on Tamil Nadu's great tradition of hospitality and ensure tourists had a comfortable stay in the State.

The consultation was organised by the Tourism Department and sponsored by Residency Towers.

Sanwat Ram, Tourism Commissioner, and Roop Chadda, General Manager, Residency Towers, also took part.

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