The Hindu : Front Page : Smaller cities fuel tourism boom

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 07, 2007
ePaper

Front Page

Front Page

Smaller cities fuel tourism boom

R. Ilangovan

SALEM: "Stop press. Already 1,000 seats have been sold out. Another batch of 1,000 seats has been added. Hurry to avoid disappointment." Thus screams an ad-promo of a major tour operator of international repute in a local daily here.

The packaged tours they offer, termed euphemistically as `European Ecstasy' and `European Experiences,' showcase the countries in the European continent with attractive `cash-back' and loans with easy EMI schemes.

Till recently, these major operators confined their operations to metros such as Chennai and Bangalore, serving corporate and elite clientele only. But they can no longer remain there, as a vibrant economy and friendly policies have given a fillip to the sagging tourism industry.

The upper class and upper middle class groups living in Tier II and Tier III cities of Coimbatore, Salem, Madurai, Erode, Namakkal, Karur, Dindigul and Tirunelveli have come out to `go to places.' Hence, to ensure them a hassle-free enjoyment, the operators of international repute have started pitching their tents in Tier II cities and towns, not only to net new customers but also retain their base in this highly competitive environment. More than 10 international and many domestic operators are operating from these places.

"These Tier II cities are the most-happening zones in Tamil Nadu today," says Vishu Kaliappan, an industrialist and a tour operator in Salem region. "The preferred destinations of tourists from these places include Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Maldives and Dubai. We have registered nearly 50 per cent growth in two years," he says.

This sudden spurt has brought droves of players both at the lower end, now overcrowded, and the upper and middle ends.

"The industry is growing both in terms of volume and value, with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) naming India and China as the fastest-growing tourism centres," says S. Mahesh, Managing Director, Globe Trotters, a unit of the Discovery Holiday Makers (TN) Private Limited.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page