Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Global Tourism Conference at Mamallapuram and announced three major initiatives aimed at positioning Tamil Nadu as a leading global tourism destination.
Addressing the conference, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said that 127 memoranda of understanding were signed during the event, involving a committed investment of Rs 22,794 crore and the potential to generate employment for 65,937 people. He said the State Government has allocated Rs 612 crore over the next five years to strengthen and expand the tourism sector.
Stating that steps would be taken to establish new display stands at tourist destinations and upgrade existing facilities, the Chief Minister made three key announcements. He said international-level competitions would be organised in January next year to project Tamil Nadu on the global tourism map as a premier art and cultural tourism destination.
To improve basic amenities for tourists visiting Mamallapuram, he announced the formation of a Special Area Development Authority, under which world-class modern infrastructure facilities would be developed at a cost of Rs 100 crore.
He further said that as announced in 2023, SIPCOT would identify tourism companies and facilitate the development of new tourism facilities. In the first phase, four locations in Kanyakumari, Kallakurichi, Erode and Thoothukudi districts have been selected and expressions of interest invited. In the second phase, 31 locations across Tamil Nadu have been identified for establishing parks, theme parks and other tourism projects.
Inviting tourists from India and abroad, the Chief Minister urged them to choose Tamil Nadu as their preferred destination, assuring them of a rich experience shaped by nature, history and culture.
