CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Government is examining the feasibility of holding a permanent tourist and industrial fair at the island grounds.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Commissioner of Tourism and Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) chairman and managing director Sanwant Ram said: "We are examining whether the Government can sustain people's interest throughout the year and the vast area be made available for holding a permanent fair".

Mr. Ram explained that the fair had earned Rs.61,33,869 through gate and other collections till February 8 at the ongoing 33rd India Tourist and Industrial Fair, which began on December 30.

The number of people who visited the fair till February 8 was 6,20,430 as against 5,60,042 visitors last year. Last year's collections were Rs.52,28,896.

The Commissioner said after a gap of 13 years, all the 118 stalls were fully booked during the current fair. In addition, 26 commercial pavilions had been put up offering a wide range of consumer products at competitive prices.

Pointing out that this year's fair did not only create awareness about the developmental activities and welfare programmes being implemented by the Tamil Nadu Government, V. Irai Anbu, State Tourism and Culture Secretary, said it also offered new attractions for the public under the amusement category such as Mickey mouse dance, Dracula show, Athisaya Manithan and a 3D show.

A separate amusement complex with an area of 80,000 sq.ft had been set up to provide a wide range of entertainment to the masses.

In all, 25 State Government Departments, nine State Government undertakings, four Central Government undertakings and two other State Government undertakings have put up their pavilions in the fair. With "Tourism Enriches" as the main theme, Mr. Ram said the entrance fee for the fair, organised by the TTDC, had been kept reasonably low with Rs.5 for every adult, Rs.3 for children and Rs.2 for students.

Visitors can also win attractive prizes at the fair, which will go on till the last week of March.

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