TOURISM

DEMAND NO. 28

POLICY NOTE 2005 - 2006

INTRODUCTION

Tourism in today's world is no more a luxury or mere sight seeing. Even the most common man can attain the status of a tourist. This has been made possible by the recent advances in transportation and information technology, which has enabled tourists to reach even the remotest parts of the earth by spending much less. Similarly the emphasis is gradually shifting from sight seeing to experiencing different cultures, life styles and environments. Thanks to the importance of innovativeness in tourism product development and marketing, tourism today has become more of a knowledge based industry. The Tourism industry has provided new career opportunities in hospitality, leisure and surface transport. In the 21st century the tourism industry is poised for massive growth.

The tourist scene has undergone a sea-change. There is economic angle to this burgeoning tourism sector; while it gainfully employs thousands of people, the exchequer gets several crores of rupees in foreign exchange year after year. One great advantage of the tourism industry is that it gives birth to lots of secondary and tertiary activities. The Tourism industry is classified into outbound, in bound and domestic.

2) TOURISM - WORLD SCENARIO

According to a recent research, conducted by Europe's leading travel magazine " Conde Nast Traveller" the top 3 tourist destinations of the world are Italy, Australia and France. India has been ranked 9th by this study report. Countries like Singapore get every year a far greater number of tourists than their population. Among the various nations in the world each nation has its own unique tourist spots. Every one has heard about oil bath, sun bath etc. But, for sand bath, tourists flock to Ibusuki, a beach resort in South Japan. Here, tourists dig themselves into the sand with only their heads protruding out. The hot water springs below the sand give warmth to the body, which the tourists enjoy.

The Tourism industry is growing at a very fast rate. As a result, Chinese people are expected to realize their dream of space tourism in 20 years from now with China conducting research into the commercialization of space technology.

The three and a half minutes spent in space above California, US heralds the start of space Tourism. Sojourns in space could be but a decade away for thousands of wealthy tourists.

3) TOURISM - THE NATIONAL SCENARIO

During 2003-2004, India witnessed an unprecedented growth in foreign tourists arrivals. In the year 2002, the number of foreign tourists arrivals was 23.8 lakhs. But in the year 2004 (upto November) this figure has gone upto 29.8 lakhs. In an attempt to achieve rapid growth in tourist arrivals to India, the Government of India has recently launched a campaign called "Athithi Devo Bava" which means guests are like Gods. Inspite of stiff competition among the nations, the New Delhi-Agra-Jaipur golden triangle is still a hot favourite for international tourists. The Tourism industry is showing all signs of transforming from a lack-lustre entity into a market and revenue driven one.

There is a demand that ASEAN and Indian tourist packages should be

integrated so that tourists coming from Europe should go over to ASEAN destinations after covering Indian tourist attractions. Similarly international tourists visiting ASEAN countries can come over to Indian destinations. In a survey conducted by travel and leisure magazine, two Indian hotels at Jaipur and Agra find a place in world's 100 best hotels. The Ananda resort in the Himalayas has been rated as the world's number one spa by the popular travel and tourism magazine " Conde Nast Traveller". With the airfares looking downwards, there is bound to be a boom in tourism sector. Tourism has provided employment to over 2 crores persons in India. The foreign tourists visiting India in a year is around 30 lakhs which is less than 0.5% of the world tourist traffic. India is a wonderful package with everything from ancient temple and medieval castles to verdant forests.

The Confederation of Indian Industry has prepared a vision paper for 2020, which envisages employment of 50 million persons in travel and tourism industry and an increase in the share of this industry to 7% of GDP. Tourism has a very strong linkage with socio-economic progress of the country, a multiplier effect on the economy. India's cultural heritage and eco-tourism potential are the major consumer preferences of the international tourists, visiting India. The overall fund allotment for the Tourism Industry in the 10th Five year plan was Rs.2900 crores as

against Rs.750.00 crores in the 9th Five year plan period. Historical monuments are a big source of attraction to tourists visiting India. ASI manages over 3500 monuments in India. Globally India is known for modernity, historical legacy, cultural diversity, natural splendour, wildlife, spiritualism, Yoga and Ayurveda.

According to estimates made by industry stakeholders, the tourism sector in Asia over the next 10 years is projected to grow at a higher rate than most other regions and the world average as a whole. It is felt that India should capitalise on this great window of opportunity by evolving a tourist friendly tax regime in the region.

Tourism and taxes always go hand in hand. According to an estimate, a reduction in taxes to 10% of a Tourist's expenditure basket can boost the country's GDP by Rs.123.00 billion and additional tax revenues of Rs.460 million and 6,70,000 additional jobs in the economy.

4) TOURISM - THE SCENARIO IN THE STATE

In recent years, tourism has become a priority sector in the State. This is reflected in higher budget allocations, growing partnership efforts between the public and private sectors, increased tourist arrivals, vibrant and vigorous promotion efforts, etc. The emphasis is to make Tourism a mass movement and a prime mover for promoting entrepreneurship, poverty reduction and economic development. Tamilnadu, placed strategically an Asia's growth axis, is certainly India's Asian gateway. Provision of well integrated and world class infrastructure and amenities at tourist spots would continue to receive attention during the ensuing year.

Tamilnadu is proud to attain the number one status in use of Information

Technology in promotion of tourism. The online reservation with payment gateway facility for TTDC 's package tours and hotels was launched by the Hon'ble Chief Minister on 2-7-2004. TTDC is the first State Tourism Corporation to have launched such a facility. Upto February 2005, 2000 bookings were made online from the following: Foreign Countries Indian States/

Union Territories Spain Kerala United States Maharashtra Australia Karnataka Finland Utter Pradesh

Norway Andhra Pradesh Canada West Bengal Italy Gujarat Japan New Delhi Germany Pondicherry Netherlands Goa

The planning and development of tourism infrastructure, its subsequent

operation and marketing will focus on environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability criteria.

5) TOURIST WEALTH OF TAMILNADU:

Tamilnadu is an Enchanting state where modern technology and contemporary vitality co-exist with tradition and old architecture. It is a year round destination. The tourist wealth of the State can be broadly grouped under the following heads:

a) Hill Resorts in the State consist of mountain ranges, pastoral landscape,

exotic plants and shrubs and grassy hillocks. Notable hill resorts are Udhagamandalam, Kodaikanal and Yercaud. The small roads that swirl around the estates and hillocks provide refreshing experiences.

Udhagamandalam known as the queen of hills is all set to add more feathers to its Cap. The Nilgiris mountain railway, which was inaugurated in 1899 is likely to get world heritage status. Similarly the rose garden at Udhagamandalam is likely to be declared as the "Garden of Excellence" by the International Rose Federation.

b) Beach Resorts: Tamilnadu has 1076 KM long spectacular coastline which is one seventh of the country's total coastline. Tamilnadu 's coastline has sugar white bays and sun drenched beaches. Marina beach is the second longest in the world.

c) Waterfalls in the State like Hogenakkal, Courtallam, Thirparappu, Kumbakarai, Papanasam etc present are some spectacle and breathtaking experience.

d) Wildlife sanctuaries Mudumalai, Anamalai, Mundanthurai, Kalakkadu are the important wild life sanctuaries which transform magically from the tropical wet evergreen to the dry deciduous and thorn forests.

e) Zoological Parks The Aringnar Anna Zoological park at Vandalur, Chennai draws huge crowds and one can see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.

f) Bird Sanctuaries The clacking and squawking of birds in the bird sanctuaries are melodious. Notable Bird sanctuaries are as follows:-

Place District

Vedanthangal Kancheepuram Pulicat Tiruvallur Koonthankulam Tirunelveli Karaivetti Perambalur Kodiakkarai (Point Calimere) Nagapattinam g) Botanical/Horticultural Gardens at places like Ooty and Coonoor are

immaculately maintained to provide visual feast.

h) Temples, Churches, Mosques in the State are exquisite and extravagant, delicate and distinct. Yet at the same time they are integrally linked with each other. They display the ingenuity and artistic skill of sculptors. The history of some of the temples and monuments date back to even 1000 years.

i) Heritage Monuments like those at Mamallapuram and Gangaikonda-cholapuram have unique and inspiring architecture. They are marvels of engineering skills of the bygone era.

j) Mangroves: The mangroves at Pichavaram in Cuddalore District are one of the largest mangroves in the world. Mangroves are also found in Muthupet in Thiruvarur District. It is now believed that mangroves acted as a good deterrent in arresting the force of Tsunami, which struck the coastal areas of Tamilnadu on 26.12.2004.

k) Lakes: The Pulicat Lake in Tiruvallur District is the second largest saltwater

lagoon in India (after Chilika Lake in Orissa).

6) TYPES OF TOURISM IN TAMILNADU

There are various facets to tourism in Tamilnadu.

a) Leisure Tourism:

Tourists visiting tourist centres in Tamilnadu for leisure constitute a major segment of tourists. They usually throng the hill resorts, beach resorts, waterfalls, zoological parks, bird sanctuaries, botanical/horticultural gardens, etc.

b) Pilgrim Tourism:

Pilgrims are another major group of tourists visiting Tamilnadu. They visit places of worship according to their faith. But, at times they also visit places of worship of other religions.

c) Heritage Tourism:

Tourists visiting heritage centres are normally made up of people who would like to visit historical monuments.

d) Adventure Tourism:

Tourists in search of adventure constitute mostly youngsters. They like to whet their appetite for adventure through trekking, air/water sports, etc.

e) Business Tourism:

Top executives who arrive in Tamilnadu on business trips or to attend seminars, conferences, conventions, general body meetings, etc. combine tourism with their business trips.

f) Medical Tourism:

Tamilnadu has some of India's best medical facilities (Allopathy, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, etc.). This coupled with Tamilnadu' s traditional hospitality attracts patients from other States and even from neighboring countries. After full recovery, the patients as well as their attendants visit places of tourist interest.

g) Fairs/Festivals Tourism:

Large inflow of tourists is usually seen during the major festive seasons like Deepavali, Christmas, Ramzan, Pongal, etc. The exhibitions, fairs (like India Tourist & Industrial Fair conducted every year by Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation at Island Grounds, Chennai), etc. also draw significant number of tourists.

h) Social functions:

People visit their friends and relatives in connection with social functions like marriage, dedication of new house, ear-boring ceremony, etc. and visit tourist places either before or after the function.

i) Academic Tourism:

Students from educational institutions visit tourist spots as part of their curriculum. During such trips they combine studies with Tourism. Tourist attractions like Government Museum, Fort Museum, Snake Park, Planetarium, etc. in Chennai act as places of education for students.

Students are given concession in entry fee to Poompuhar Tourist Complex, Sound & light show at Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Madurai and Kattabomman Memorial Fort, Panchalankurichi, which are under the control of the Tourism Department.

7) COMMISSIONERATE OF TOURISM AND THE OFFICES UNDER ITS CONTROL

The Commissionerate of Tourism is headed by Commissioner of Tourism, and consists of other posts like one Joint Director, three Deputy Directors, two Assistant Directors, One Publication Officer, One Accounts Officer and more than 200 Ministerial staff members. The field offices comprise of 20 Tourist Offices (14 within Tamilnadu and 6 outside Tamilnadu) and 27 Tourist Information Centres (19 within Tamilnadu and 8 outside Tamilnadu) whose main functions are giving information and rendering assistance to tourists in respect of their stay, food, sight seeing, shopping, worship, amusement etc; publicising the tourist potential of Tamilnadu; and co-ordinate with District Collectors / Public Works Department/Local bodies etc in implementation of projects.

Tourist Offices

Tourist Offices of Tamilnadu are functioning at the following places Within Tamilnadu:

1. Chennai 2. Kanniyakumari 3. Udhagamandalam 4. Kodaikanal 5. Mamallapuram 6. Madurai 7. Rameswaram 8. Thanjavur 9. Tiruchirappalli 10. Tirunelveli 11. Salem 12. Dharmapuri 13. Chidambaram 14. Poompuhar

Outside Tamilnadu:

15. New Delhi 16.Mumbai 17.Kolkatta 18.Panaji (Goa) 19.Jaipur 20.Agra

Tourist Information Centres

Tourist Information Centres are functioning at the following places: WITHIN TAMILNADU

S.No. Place

Airports.

1. Chennai (International terminal) 2. Chennai (Domestic terminal) 3. Madurai 4. Coimbatore 5. Tiruchirappalli

Railway Stations.

6. Chennai (Central) 7. Chennai (Egmore) 8. Madurai 9. Coimbatore 10. Rameswaram 11. Tiruchirappalli 12. Tirunelveli

Bus Stands.

13. Chennai Metropolitan Bus terminus, Koyambedu 14. Rameswaram

Other places.

15. Gudalur (The Nilgiris District) 16. Tranquebar (Nagapattinam District) 17. Hotel Tamilnadu Complex, Thanjavur

(Thanjavur District) 18. Panchalankurichi (Thoothukudi District) 19. Vellore Fort (Vellore District)

OUTSIDE TAMIL NADU:

20 Railway Junction, Bangalore 21. Hyderabad 22. Thiruvananthapuram 23. Ahmedabad 24. Bhubaneshwar 25. Chandigarh 26. Guwahati 27. Varanasi 8) TOURIST ARRIVALS

During the first review meeting of Tourism Department convened by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu in July 2001, among other things, it was decided to take efforts to increase the growth of tourist inflow to Tamilnadu from

7-9% to 10-12%. Subsequently, all the measures initiated by this Department were aimed at achieving the above target. These measures have started paying dividends, as could be seen from the following statistics.

Year No. of domestic tourists who visited Tamilnadu (In lakhs)

G.R.% No. of foreign tourists who visited Tamilnadu (in lakhs)

G.R. % Total

(in lakhs)

G.R. %

2000 229.82 8.7 7.86 8.9 237.68 8.7

2001 238.12 3.6 7.73 (-) 1.7 245.85 3.4

2002 246.61 3.6 8.05 4.1 254.66 3.6

2003 270.59 9.7 9.02 12 279.61 9.8

2004 300.77 11.2 10.58 17.3 311.35 11.4

It can be observed from the above statistics that there is steady growth in tourist traffic to Tamilnadu. During the year 2001, Tamilnadu occupied the third rank in both domestic and foreign Tourist arrivals to India. According to a survey conducted in the year 2003, Tamilnadu has moved to the second position in attracting foreign Tourists. In the case of domestic tourists, it has retained the third position. Efforts will be made to keep up this momentum during 2005-2006. 9) TSUNAMI 2004 Due to the Tsunami which hit the coastal areas of Tamilnadu on 26-12-2004, there was considerable drop in tourist arrivals. Subsequently, the arrivals started picking up and now the rate of tourist arrivals is getting back to normal. As the Tsunami was experienced during the peak December - January tourist season, not only Tourism Department, but also the private sector in the Tourism Industry suffered significant losses.

The Tourism Department swung into action immediately after the Tsunami struck by nominating an Officer to answer queries from tourists, their kith and kin, from other parts of India and abroad. The website of Tamilnadu Tourism was constantly updated with authentic information on the actual scenario in the post -Tsunami period. Updated information was also put on the website of India Tourism.

Among the major tourist destinations in Tamilnadu, places like Chennai, Mamallapuram, Kanniyakumari, Pichavaram, Cuddalore, Tranquebar and

Velankanni, which are situated in the coastal areas of Tamilnadu, were affected by the Tsunami. All the other major tourist destinations of the State like Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Gangaikondachozhapuram, Chettinad, Madurai, Kodaikanal, Udhagamandalam etc., are located inland and therefore did not feel the impact of Tsunami. This information was given out to tourists from outside the State and the Country.

Enthused by the response and also due to constant enquiries from foreign tourists, the famous Mamallapuram Dance Festival which had started on 23-12-2004 and stopped from 26-12-2004 was resumed from 7th January 2005 and continued upto 30th January 2005.

The commencement of the much talked about All India tourist trade fair at

Island grounds, Chennai was put off by about three weeks. It was inaugurated on 13-1-2005.

Ferry services from mainland to Vivekananda Rock Memorial / Thiruvalluvar Statue at Kanniyakumari were suspended on 26-12-2004 and they were restored from 5-2-2005.

The value of damages to the properties of the Tourism Department and TTDC due to Tsunami are as follows.

Sl.No.

Tourist facilities Description of the damage

Approximate value

Rs. in lakhs

1 TTDC Beach Resort Complex, Mamalla-puram

Damage to cottages

253.00

2 TTDC Boat house Muttukadu

Damage to boat jetty and missing of 13 boats

27.50

3 TTDC boat house, Mudaliyar-kuppam

Damage to boat house

17.50

4 Tiruvalluvar Statue, Kanniyakumari

Damage to toilet block, rest shed, cafeteria

43.20

5 View Tower, Kanniyakumari

Damage to compound wall and other facilities

6.30

6 Beach facilities in Kanniyakumari

Damage to facilities at Vattakottai, Muttom, Thekkurichi, Sothavilai

55.00

7 Hotel Tamilnadu, Nagapattinam

Damage to buildings

14.00

8 Velankanni Damages to toilet and landscaping

50.00

9 Poompuhar Tourist Complex

Damages to cottages. Repair works to Pavai Mandram, Ilanji Mandram, Nedungal Mandram, approach road, cottages, lodge, compound wall staff quarters, Silappadhikaram, Kalaikoodam etc.

69.00

Total 535.50

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has been requested to extend

financial assistance of Rs. 535.50 lakhs for restoration and renovation of the above

tourist facilities. There was also considerable business loss to the hotels, boat houses and other facilities of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation.

A meeting was organized at Chennai on 16-2-2005 with leading hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators and other stakeholders. The main agenda at the meeting was to review the impact of Tsunami on tourism and workout strategy to restore normalcy with regard to tourist arrivals. Several suggestions like organizing of familiarization tour for media people, promotion of convention tourism, massive advertisement campaign, targeting of Non-Resident Indians etc were made at the meeting. These are being examined and appropriate action is also being taken.

Incidentally, the receding waves of the Tsunami have unearthed hitherto unseen monuments near the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram. The Archaeological Survey of India is now conducting excavations and undersea explorations with help of Indian Navy in this area. These monuments which have now come to light will add to the tourist attractions at Mamallapuram.

10) SEVEN POINT ACTION PLAN

The 7 Point action plan unveiled by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu in her inaugural address at the 64th SKAL World Congress at Chennai on 20-10-2003 has given a new dimension to growth of tourism in Tamilnadu. The highlights of the 7-Point Action Plan are as follows:

1) Unlocking the Hidden Treasures of Tamilnadu consisting of lesser known but very attractive destinations like Chettinad, Pichavaram, Pulicat, etc.

2) Positioning Chennai and Coimbatore as Destinations for International

Conventions and Exhibitions. 3) Twinning of Destinations by closely synergising our efforts with

neighbouring countries and developing common circuits. 4) Improving accessibility and upgrading the transport network. 5) Filling up micro-level infrastructure gaps in major tourist destinations. 6) Aggressive and focused marketing. 7) Facilitate charter flights and Cruise Tourism. Significant achievements have been made on the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th

points in the last one and half years. Action is also being taken in respect of the

other points. The 7 point action plan, is now the guiding force for Tourism Department's future plans.

Cruise Tourism

Promotion of cruise tourism figures in the above 7 point action plan (Sl. No.7). Cruise shipping is today one of the largest growing sectors globally with an annual turnover of more than $500 billion. There were around 9.6 million passengers cruising around the globe.

Tourism Department is very keen on attracting cruise vessels. On 26-1-2005 a luxury liner with 52 British tourists on board arrived in the Chennai port.

Similarly, around 900 foreign tourists visited Tamilnadu in a separate luxury liner which docked at the Chennai and Tuticorin ports in February 2005. Their itinerary included a visit to Chennai city, Mamallapuram, Kancheepuram, Madurai and Tirunelveli. Sight seeing arrangements were made to them. On 28.3.2005 another prestigious ship arrived Chennai Port with about 650 American Passengers. The tourists were accorded traditional welcome. Similar cruise tourism would be encouraged in the coming year.

11) "ENCHANTING TAMILNADU- EXPERIENCE YOURSELF" CAMPAIGN The above brand campaign was launched by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu in October 2003 during the 64th SKAL Conference. The design of the advertisement campaign represents heritage, history, culture, spirituality and peace, which are the core strength of tourism in Tamilnadu. The text of the campaign embodies the rich diversity of the tourist wealth of Tamilnadu. The emphasis on " Experience " is considered as a powerful message and is in line with modern day tourism. This campaign formed the basis of our marketing efforts during 2004-2005. In view of the resounding success achieved, it is proposed to sustain this campaign vigorously in 2005-06. 12) GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ASSISTED SCHEMES

The Department of Tourism, Government of India has been assisting the States for the development of tourist infrastructure through the Central Financial Assistance Schemes. During the 8th and 9th five year plan period, the Central

Financial Assistance was used to fund a large number of small isolated projects spread throughout the length and breadth of the country resulting in resources being spread very thinly. Therefore the Central Financial Assistance was not able to create the desired impact on the growth of tourism in the country. Government of India has therefore decided to provide funds during the tenth five year plan (2002-2007) for the following schemes only. A) Integrated Product / infrastructure and destination development scheme

The focus under this scheme is on improving existing products and developing

new tourism products to world class standards. For product/infrastructure and destination development, the Department of Tourism, Government of India has been providing financial assistance to the State Governments. Government of India would accord sanction upto a maximum of Rs.5.00 crores per year per destination. Accordingly, during the year 2002-03, Government of India has accorded sanction for the following schemes.

i) Integrated Development of Mamallapuram

The total cost of the project is approximately Rs.19.00 crores. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has accorded sanction for a sum of Rs.5.00 crores towards the Ist phase of work as detailed below.

a) Development of Shore Temple area Rs.2.00 crores b) Development of Five Rathas area Rs.3.00 crores Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu laid the foundation for this project at a

function held at Kancheepuram on 8.1.2003. a) Shore Temple area: Project cost Rs.2.00 crores

The following works were taken up under this scheme a) Construction of 15 commercial shops b) Construction of compound wall c) Digging of well d) Ticket counter e) Parking lot f) Pathway g) Landscaping h) Planting of saplings i) Electrical works etc.

The above works have been completed.

b) Five Rathas area: Project cost Rs.3.00 Crores

The following works were taken up under this project. a) Construction of compound wall b) Landscaping c) Construction of 101 shops (the shops on the road to Five Rathas will be

shifted to these shops) d) Restaurant e) Toilet f) Bus-shelter g) Ticket counter h) Kiosk i) Signages j) Pathway etc.

The above works are nearing completion.

ii) Integrated Development of Mamallapuram IInd Phase

Under the IInd Phase, a proposal at a cost of Rs. 519.99 lakhs was sent to Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for according sanction. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India during February 2005 has conveyed sanction for Rs.432.00 lakhs and released a sum of Rs.345.00 lakhs as first installment to commence the work. The details of works to be taken up under this schemes are as follows:-

1) Development of area opposite to Arjuna's Penance area 2) Development of area opposite to Archaeological Survey of India Office 3) Construction of Higher Secondary School, Primary school and Balwadi 4) Development of approach road to Five Rathas, Shore temple 5) Construction of Bus Stand 6) Widening of pathway 7) Development of Tiger Caves, Sri Sthalasayanaperumal temple premises

and tank 8) Development of tourist bus stop

iii) Development of Yercaud

Yercaud hill resort is situated on the Shervarayan Hill Range in the Eastern Ghat. Shervarayan Hills as a whole provides many beautiful panoramic views. Yercaud, 30 kms. from Salem, is a beautiful hill resort with pleasant and cool climate.

Yercaud lake, Anna Park, Lady's seat, Pagoda point, Killiyur water falls, Bear's cave, Deer park, Shervarayan Kaveriamman temple, ornamental plants at Green House, Orchard-cum-Nursery of Rose plants, silk farm, Horticulture research station, Orchidorium, Lake park, Salem view (between 16th and 17th bends) are important tourist places in Yercaud.

Therefore, for the development of Yercaud, a detailed proposal for a sum of Rs.498.00 lakhs was sent to Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for according sanction under the scheme of Integrated product/infrastructure and destination development scheme during 2004-2005. Accordingly, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India conveyed sanction for Rs.448.00 lakhs and released a sum of Rs.358.40 lakhs as first instalment to commence the work. The details of the works to be taken up under this scheme are as follows:-

Sl No.

Name of the work Rs. in

lakhs

1 Improvement of surroundings of the destination (landscaping, development of park, fencing, public convenience, Illumination, removal of water weed etc)

319.00

2 Desilting of Yercaud lake 100.00

3 Activity directly related to tourism (Improvement of boat house)

29.00

Total

448.00

The works have been entrusted to the District Collector, Salem. The work would be commenced during 2005-06. __ B) Integrated development of Tourism Circuit.

A tourist circuit is defined as a route on which atleast three major tourist destinations are located and none of these are in the same town, village or city. At

the same time they should be in such proximity that a tourist would like to cover them in a sequence. It should have well defined entry and exit points. A tourist who enters at the entry point should get motivated to visit all the places identified on the circuit. The objective of having a tourist circuit is to increase the total number of visits to all the destinations in the circuit on the one hand and to provide to the tourists the attraction of all the destinations located in the circuit as a package on the other hand. For one tourist circuit area or circuit, Government of India would sanction maximum amount of Rs.8.00 crores.

During the year 2003-2004, the following works were sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India under the Adi Sankara circuit and the Vivekananda circuit.

i) Development of Adi Sankara Circuit (Kancheepuram)

Under this scheme a sum of Rs.259.40 lakhs was sanctioned by Government of India for the development of infrastructure at Kancheepuram. The works like providing pedestrian walk platform over storm water drain with handrails and high mast light at Kancheepuram have been completed by CPWD. ii) Development of Vivekananda Travel Circuit (Ramanathapuram and Kanniyakumari)

Ramanathapuram

Ramanathapuram was the first place visited by Swami Vivekananda after his historical trip to the United States. King Sethupathy accorded a royal welcome to the Saint at Pamban. Then, Vivekananda visited the Kingdom and delivered speeches at Pamban, Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram Paramakudi and other places. Swami Vivekananda's journey, which had lasted for many days impressed upon the minds of the people. Therefore, for the development of places associated with the visit of Swami Vivekananda, a detailed proposal for a sum of Rs.367.84 lakhs was sent to Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Accordingly, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has conveyed sanction for a sum of Rs.168.24 lakhs and released a sum of Rs.54.47 lakhs as first installment to commence the work.

The following works have been taken up under this scheme a) Infrastructure facilities at Pamban b) Development of Viveka Baskaram c) Development of Agnitheertham

d) Development of Ramarpatham e) Development of Jatayu Theertham f) Construction of Tourist Reception Centre at Rameswaram g) Concrete pavement at Uthirakosamangai

The above works have been entrusted to the District Collector, Ramanathapuram. They are under progress.

Kanniyakumari

Kanniyakumari is a major tourist centre in the Country. Under the scheme of development of Vivekananda Travel Circuit, a number of schemes for a sum of Rs.662.48 lakhs have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The details are given below:-

a) Flood lighting of Vivekananda Rock Memorial at Kanniyakumari - Vivekananda rock memorial is one of the major tourist attractions in Kanniyakumari. It has therefore been decided to provide flood lighting for good view during the night hours. Government of India has sanctioned a sum of Rs.32.13 lakhs and released the amount in full to CPWD to implement the scheme.

b) Mounting of Sound and Light show at Kanniyakumari To fulfill a long felt need, mounting of Sound and Light show at Kanniyakumari has been taken up. Government of India has sanctioned a sum of Rs.225.00 lakhs and released Rs.202.00 lakhs as first instalment to India Tourism Development Corporation to commence the work. It has been decided to mount the sound and light show at the boat jetty area.

c) For the benefit of tourists, Government of India has sanctioned a sum of Rs.255.35 lakhs and released Rs.76.60 lakhs as first instalment to India Tourism Development Corporation to execute the works of construction of 1) Five cottages at

Vivekananda Kendra- Work completed 2) Strengthening of boat jetty at Vivekanada rock memorial 3) Development of sun view point and soft drinks shop at boat jetty. d) For the development of beach tourism, Government of India has

sanctioned a sum of Rs.150.00 lakhs and released Rs.45.00 lakhs as first instalment

to India Tourism Development Corporation to commence the work at Muttom and Thekkurichi beach fronts in Kanniyakumari District. Works like accommodation, kiosk, toilets, restaurant, landscaping at Muttom beach and aquarium, rain shelter, kiosk, toilets, dress changing room, jetty, landscaping at Thekkurichi beach have been taken up.

iii) Development of Eco-Tourism Circuit (Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthupet Mangroves and Pichavaram) - 2004-2005.

The development of Eco-Tourism has been referred to in the vision document 2002, the policy note of the Tourism Department for the year 2003-2004 and 10th Five year Plan (2002-2007) document. It was therefore proposed to establish an Eco-Tourism Circuit covering the following places.

1) Point Calimere - Nagapattinam District

2) Muthupet - Thiruvarur District

3) Pichavaram - Cuddalore District Therefore for the development of Point Calimere, Muthupet and Pichavaram

(covering Portnova, MGR Thittu and Chinna Vaikkal) a proposal for a sum of Rs.368.00 lakhs was sent to Ministry of Tourism (Government of India) for according sanction under the scheme of Integrated development of tourism circuit. Government of India has conveyed sanction during 2004-2005 and released a sum of Rs.294.40 lakhs as first instalment to commence the work. This work would be taken up during 2005-06 through the District Collectors concerned. The component of the projects are

a) Eco Tourism at Point Calimere Wild Life Sanctuary at a cost of Rs.212.00 lakhs 1) Providing interpretation center 2) Provision of tented accommodation 3) Erection of publicity boards 4) Dubbing of wild life films in local language 5) Improvement of the tourist track inside the sanctuary 6) Creation of nature trail 7) Renovation of Poonarai Illam rest house 8) Providing compound wall to forest lodge 9) Children's park 10) Parking lot 11) Creation of infrastructure facility in

Thambusamy illam rest house

12) Providing approach road to the sanctuary

b) Development of eco-tourism at Muthupet mangroves in Thiruvarur District at a cost of Rs.51.50 lakhs

1) Creation of a visitor's centre 2) Providing power boats 3) Construction of visitor's rest shed 4) Raising observation towers 5) Creation of bio-diversity spots 6) Providing wooden board walks 7) Publicity and awareness

c) Development of eco-tourism in and around Pichavaram (covering Portnova, MGR Thittu and Chinna Vaikkal) at a cost of Rs.104.50 lakhs

1) Construction of jetty 2) Construction of cottages 3) Construction of restaurant 4) Construction of waiting shed 5) Construction of pre fabricated toilets, urinal blocks, sales counter, water

tank, benches 6) Providing interpretation center 7) Purchase of boats

__ C ) Large revenue generating projects

Under this scheme Government of India offers 25% of the project cost for projects like Luxury trains, Cruise terminals, Ropeways etc. Out of various schemes, it is felt that Ropeways or Cable Car would prove to be a big success among tourists. A trip on the Ropeway would enable the tourists to enjoy the birds eye view of picturesque sceneries from a height. Under this scheme, Government of India had accorded sanction for the following schemes in 2003-2004

Total project cost

a) Ropeway at Udhagamandalam Rs. 1587.00 lakhs b) Ropeway at Kodaikanal Rs. 1452.00 lakhs

Installation of Ropeway at Udhagamandalam and Kodaikanal would be taken up shortly. __ D) Rural Tourism

Across the world, the trends of industrialization and development have had an Urban Centric approach. Along side, the stresses of urban life styles have led to growing interest in the rural areas. In the developed countries this has resulted in a new style of tourism of visiting village settings to experience and live a relaxed and healthy life style. In India also there is growing interest in such rural tourism. The emphasis under rural tourism is on the uniqueness of the individual villages with regard to their life style, art and culture, monuments etc. Government of India has thus come forward with a scheme under which financial assistance would be extended upto Rs.50 lakhs for promoting rural tourism in one centre. The permissible activities under the scheme are

a) Improvement of surroundings, roads b) Illumination c) Sewerage d) Wayside amenities e) Refurbishment of monuments f) Signages etc.

Under the scheme of rural tourism, tourist facilities are provided in the rural tourist places. Government of India has sanctioned the following Schemes.

Kazhugumalai For development of Kazhugumalai in Thoothukudi District a sum of Rs.48.68

lakhs was sanctioned under rural tourism during 2003-2004.. Apart from this, the Government of India has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 20.00 lakhs under software components of Government of India - United Nations Development Programme Endogenous Tourism Project at Kazhugumalai during 2004-2005. Chettinad

For development of Chettinad, Sivaganga District a sum of Rs. 50.00 lakhs was sanctioned under rural tourism during 2003-2004. Apart from this, during 2004-05 Government of India has sanctioned Rs. 20.00 lakhs for Rural Tourism

project in Chettinad (soft ware components - Government of India United Nations Development Programme Endogenous tourism project). Under this scheme, apart from tourism promotion activities, promotion of activity based selfhelp groups, skill buildings, linkages etc would be taken up. Theerthamalai

For development of Theerthamalai in Dharmapuri District a sum Rs. 50.00 lakhs was sanctioned under rural tourism during 2003-2004.

The works have been entrusted to the District Collectors concerned. 13) DETAILS OF PROPOSALS SENT TO MINISTRY OF TOURISM, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AND ORDERS AWAITED

I) Integrated Development of Tourist circuits

a) Development of Jain Tourist Circuit

Jainism is a moral and ethical based religion revolving around the fundamental principles of Ahimsa, Satya & Brahmacharya. The rich art heritage of the Digambara Jainas of Tamil Nadu is manifest in their panoramic lithic monuments and pristine sanctuaries under worship. There are about 550 Jaina epigraphs so far discovered from various centres in Tamil Nadu. Jainism has a long history of over 2000 years. Jainism saw proliferation under the Cholas, set back under Vijayanagar empire and resurrection in northern Tamil Nadu since 16th Century A.D. Relentless efforts of the Champions of Jainism, undoubtedly played a dominant role in moulding the Tamil culture and have left an indelible mark on the thought and life of the people. Their contribution in the sphere of language, literature, art architecture, education, medicine, charity, social service etc. is remarkable and praiseworthy. The number of monuments and temples under worship, sculptures, paintings etc. are evidences of the glorious heritage of the past. In Tamil Nadu there are more than 50 Jain Theertha Kshetras spread over 7 districts.

For the development of Jain Circuit covering the following places, a proposal

for a sum of Rs. 192.00 lakhs has been sent to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for according sanction under the scheme of Integrated development of Jain Tourist Circuit.

b) Development of Adi Sankara Tourist Circuit A proposal for the development of Adi Sankara Tourist Circuit (covering

Mangadu, Thiruvottiyur, Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, Swamimalai, Thiruvanaikaval and Rock Fort in Trichirappalli and Tiruchendur) for Rs. 450.70 lakhs has been sent to Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for according sanction under the scheme of Integrated development of Adi Sankara Tourist Circuit.

ii) Rural Tourism

Proposals for the development of the following places were sent to Government of India for according sanction under Rural Tourism.

a) Devipattinam in Ramanathapuram District - Rs. 75.60 lakhs

Devipattinam is situated near Ramanathapuram, the head quarters of the District. It derived its name from Devi in Sanskrit meaning Goddess and Pattinam also in Sanskrit names city. There is an old temple dedicated to Mahishasuramarthini, so called for having killed Mahishasura a demon. She is also

Sl. No. Name of the Jain Theertha Kshetra

District

1 TIRUMALAI Tiruvannamalai

2 MUTHUPATTI Madurai

3 METTUPATTI Madurai

4 SITTANNAVASAL Pudukkottai

5 MELCHITTAMUR Villupuram

6 TIRUNATHARKUNRU Villupuram

7 THIRUNARUNGONDAI Villupuram

8 CHITARAL Kanniyakumari

9 VALLIMALAI Vellore

10 THIRUPARUTHIKUNDRAM

Kancheepuram

called as Lokanayaki or Devi. The village came to be known after this Goddess. This place is also called Navapashana in Sanskrit meaning nine stones representing the Navagrahas or nine planets. These nine stones are in the midst of sea. It is one of the holy bathing places in south India. The nine stones signifying nine planets were said to have been installed and worshipped by Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana on His way to Lanka. Large number of tourists/pilgrims are visiting this town. Therefore, for the development of Devipattinam Rural Tourism, a proposal for a sum of Rs.75.60 lakhs has been sent to Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for according sanction.

b) Thirukurungudi in Tirunelveli District -Rs. 50.00 lakhs

Thirukurungudi, about 40 kms. from Tirunelveli, is an important pilgrimage centre in Tamilnadu. It is one of the 108 Vaishnavaite Divya Kshetras. The temple dates back to 700 A.D. The human size sculptures (about 20 to 25) are carved all along the Mandapas in three places namely, the Mattaiyadi Mandapam, Rathi Mandapam and Sirpa Mandapam. Culmination of these can be seen in several statues like the dancers at the Rathi Mandapam, Gypsy at the Sirpa Mandapam, a tribes man kidnapping a Rajakumari. They are all rendered very artistically. Further Thirukurungudi is surrounded by natural environment. Therefore for the development of Thirukurungudi, a proposal has been sent to Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for according sanction.

iii) Setting up of Sound and Light Shows a) Sound and Light Show at Mamallapuram

Mamallapuram is a World Heritage Centre. The Government of India has launched the ambitious integrated development of Mamallapuram at an approximate cost of Rs.19 Crores. Mamallapuram has recorded tourist arrival of more than 10 lakhs tourists during 2004. Hence, Sound and Light show will be a fitting project for Mamallapuram. With this idea in mind, Government of India has been requested to sanction Rs.235.00 lakhs for setting up a sound and light show at Mamallapuram. b) Sound and Light Show at Thanjavur

Thanjavur is a World heritage site. It was the capital of the Cholas. Sri Brahadeeswarar temple was built by Raja Raja Chola-I. The 14 tiered Pyramid shaped Vimanam is 64.8m tall. On the top it is a monolithic cupola carved out from an 81.3 ton block of granite. Around 4000 tourists/pilgrims visit the temple daily.

It has been proposed to set up Sound and Light show at Thanjavur, depicting the importance of Chola history and architecture. A proposal for a sum of Rs.150.00 lakhs has been sent to Government of India for sanction. 14) SCHEMES PROPOSED TO BE TAKEN UP IN 2005-2006 WITH GOVERNMENT OF INDIA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE i) Product/infrastructure and Destination Development schemes: Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai is famous for the Arunachaleshwara temple which is dedicated to Lingodbhava or Jyotir Lingam. i.e. God incarnate as Fire. The tall imposing outer gopurams of the temple present a magnificent sight, conveying as they do, an impression of great dignity and majesty. Among the contributors were the Cholas, the kings of Vijayanagara, the Hoysalas and the Nayaks of Thanjavur. The beautiful thousand pillared hall of the temple is noted for its intricate carvings. During the Karthigai Deepam festival celebrated in November-December, a huge fire is lit atop the hill and devotees flock to the temple. Large number of tourists visit this destination on full moon days for Girivalam (walk around the hill). Tiruvannamalai has been declared by the Government of Tamilnadu as a Heritage centre. It is therefore proposed to develop Tiruvannamalai under product/infrastructure and destination development scheme at a cost of Rs.5.00 crores. Necessary proposals would be sent to Government of India in this regard. ii) Integrated Development of Tourist Circuit a) Arupadaiveedu Tourist circuit

Large number of tourists, both foreign and domestic, are visiting Arupadaiveedu. It is therefore proposed to take up the development in the following places under the scheme of development of "Arupadaiveedu tourist circuit"

1) Palani 2) Thiruparankundram 3) Tiruchendur 4) Swamimalai 5) Solaimalai Mandapam (Palamuthircholai) and 6) Thiruthani

Necessary proposals would be prepared and sent to Government of India.

b) Development of Saptha Vitankal Sthalam Tourist Circuit According to legends, Lord Indra was troubled by a demon called Velan. In

order to get rid of the demon, Lord Indra approached the Chola King Muchukundan. Muchukundan was a staunch devotee of Lord Siva. The King Muchukundan immediately helped Indra to defeat the Asura. Indra was very much pleased and asked the king to choose and select a reward he wanted for his act of valour. Muchukunda Maharaja, a great devotee of Lord Siva, asked Indra to give away, the Somaskandamoorthy which was given to him by Lord Vishnu. Indra hesitated to give him his beloved deity. So he created six more similar types of idols and placed them before the king along with the original one and asked the king to select the original idol. The king for some time meditated Lord Siva and selected the original Diety. Therefore, Lord Indra was very much pleased by this and gave all the seven idols of Somaskanda Murthy to the king. The king installed the original Murthy at his capital Thiruvarur and the remaining six idols in six specified places. These seven idols of Somaskandamurthy were installed in seven different places in Tamilnadu. They are designated as sacred seven places or SAPTHAVITANKAL STHALAMS, because all these Deities came to earth from heaven and not by creation or chiseling. These deities are known as Vitankan and the seven places are reputed as Saptha Vitankal Sthalam. According to puranas one has to visit all these seven centres in his/her life time. Places covered under Saptha Vitankal Sthalam tourist circuit area

1) Nagapattinam (Thirunagaikoranam) (Nagapattinam District)

2) Thiruvoimur (Nagapattinam District)

3) Thirumaraikadu (Vedharanyam, Nagapattinam District) 4) Thiruvarur (Thiruvarur District)

5) Thirukkarayil (Thiruvarur District)

6) Thirukkuvalai (Thiruvarur District)

7) Thirunallar (Pondicherry Union Territory)

Necessary proposals would be sent to Government of India for developing the places in Tamilnadu in this circuit.

c) Development of Chozhanattu Thirupathigal Circuit

There are 108 Vaishnavite Divya Kshetras. The 108 divya desas are the sacred places of worship in our country. These pilgrim centres are praised in the hymns of the great Alwars and are not only very ancient but also the formidable citadels of piety. Out of 108, 82 places are in Tamilnadu. These 82 places are classified in the following categories

a) Chozhanattu Thirupathigal (covering Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli District-40 places)

b) Pandiyanattu Thirupathigal (including Navathirupathigal (covering Pudukkottai, Srivanjiyam, Rameswaram, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Virudhunagar) (18)

c) Thondainattu Thirupathiga l(covering Kancheepuram - 22 places) d) Nadunattu Thirupathigal (2) (Cuddalore District)

During 2003--2004, a sum of Rs.98.75 lakhs was sanctioned by the Tourism Department and the Town and Country Planning Department of the Government of Tamilnadu for the development of Navathirupathigal temple area which are a part of Pandiyanattu Thirupathigal. Action has already been taken for the development of Thirumayam in Pudukkottai District and Thirukurungudi In Tirunelveli District which are also covered under Pandiyanattu Thirupathigal. It is therefore proposed to develop Chozhanattu Thirupathigal with the financial assistance of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

Out of 40 places that come under Chozhanattu Thirupathigal, TTDC is

operating package tours to 23 places. These places fall under Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli Districts. Under the first phase, it is proposed to take up development works in the following places:-

Place District

1) Sirkazhi - Nagapattinam 2) Thirunagari - Nagapattinam 3) Thirukannapuram - Nagapattinam 4) Thirukkannamangai - Thiruvarur 5) Thirucherai - Thanjavur 6) Thirunaraiyur - -Thanjavur

(Nachiyarkoil) 7) Thirukandiyur - Thanjavur 8) Thirukkdambanur - Tiruchirappalli

(Uthamarkoil)

9) Thiruvellarai - Tiruchirappalli 10) Thirukkozhi (Uraiyur)- Tiruchirappalli

Necessary proposals will be sent to the Government of India for the development of this circuit. d) Freedom Struggle Tourist Circuit

In order to celebrate the forthcoming 60th anniversary of Indian Independence, places associated with the Freedom struggle would be identified and adequate infrastructure facilities would be created with the financial assistance of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India during 2005-06. Proposals in this regard will be prepared and sent to Government of India. iii) Large Revenue generating Schemes Ropeway at Kanniyakumari

Government of India has already accorded sanction for setting up of Ropeway at Kodaikanal and Udhagamandalam during 2003-2004. Similarly, a proposal seeking financial assistance for setting up of Ropeway at Kanniyakumari has been sent to Government of India. The total project cost i.e. Rs.1700.00 lakhs. iv) Rural Tourism schemes During 2005-2006, it is proposed to prepare proposals for developing the following places under Rural Tourism with Government of India Financial Assistance.

a) Tranquebar

Tranquebar in Nagapattinam District is a historical town. The Danish people landed here in 1620 A.D. and the monuments belonging to their period viz. Danish fort, zion church, Governor's Bungalow etc are still in existence. During 2005-06 it is proposed to send proposals for the development of Tranquebar under rural tourism with Government of India Financial Assistance.

b) Srivanchiyam

Srivanchiyam in Thiruvarur District is as sacred as Kasi. According to puranas, Lord Siva is said to have told Parvathi that he loves this place very much. In the erstwhile Thanjavur District, the temple at Srivanchiam is one of the largest measuring 588 feet in length and 324 feet in breadth with three gopurams, 3 vimanas and 3 prakarams with five tier Rajagopuram, 200 feet high. One of the unique features of the temple is that Rahu-Kethu have been carved out in one composite sculpture.

As in Thirunageswaram in Thanjavur District near Kumbakonam, milk poured over the Murthis turns blue. According to Puranas, a holy dip in the Gupta Ganga - a sacred tank is equivalent to one in Varanasi, Rameswaram and Mahamaham tank in Kumbakonam.

15) HILL AREA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

A sum of Rs.72.50 lakhs was sanctioned under Hill Area Development Programme during the year 2004-2005 for the development of Boat House at Udhagamandalam, construction of new boat house at TR Bazaar and improvement of other tourist spots in the Nilgiris district.

During the year 2005-2006, the development of boat house area at Udhagamandalam and Pykara, telescope house at Doddabetta, youth hostel at Mudumalai and Santhanamalai, a lesser known tourist center in Nilgiris, are proposed to be taken up at a cost of Rs.64.50 lakhs.

16) WESTERN GHATS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME During the year 2004-2005 under Western Ghats Development Programme, a

sum of Rs.45.00 lakhs was sanctioned for the improvement of the Boat House at Kodaikanal, purchase of new boats and renovation of existing youth hostel at Kodaikanal. During the year 2005-2006, the construction of "Tourist interpretation center at Kodaikanal" and the development of Thiruparappu water falls in Kanniyakumari District are proposed to be taken up at a cost of Rs.35.00 lakhs. 17) EASTERN GHATS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

During the year 2005-06, it is proposed to develop Sirumalai hills in Dindigul District and Pachamalai hills in Tiruchirappali District under Eastern Ghats Development Programme. 18) COASTAL AREA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME During the year 2005-06, it is proposed to develop the following places under Coastal Area Development Programme.

Sl. Place District

1) Nagapattinam Beach Nagapattinam

2) Velankanni Beach Nagapattinam 3) Silver Beach Cuddalore 4) Manora Thanjavur

19) GOVERNMENT OF TAMILNADU ASSISTED SCHEMES A) Enhanced Allocation of funds by State Government for Tourism Development.

The Government has been taking very special interest for promotion of Tourism. The Hon'ble Chief Minister has played a profound role in changing the face of Tourism Sector in Tamilnadu. The Hon'ble Chief Minister reviewed the activities of Tourism Department on 13-7-2001 immediately after assuming office and outlined the broad objectives and strategies for the development of tourism in Tamilnadu. The ideas put forward by the Hon'ble Chief Minister called for pumping in of massive funds for provision of infrastructure and publicity. Hence, the Government is providing unprecedented budget allocations to Tourism Department from 2001-2002 to 2004-2005 as detailed below:-

Year Budget Allotment

(Rs. in crores) 2001-2002 17.47

2002-2003 32.64

2003-2004 26.79

2004-2005 30.35

B) Announcements 2004-2005 - (Part-II Schemes) While presenting the demand for Tourism Department for the year 2004-

2005, certain announcements were made on the floor of the Tamilnadu Legislative Assembly. They are as follows:-

Sl.No. Announcements Total Amount(Rs. in lakhs)

1 Purchase of computers and accessories for 4 Tourist

5.00

Offices (one each) and Head office (Two Numbers)

2 Expenditure for 5 Tourist Information Centres

7.56

3 Development of Chettinad Heritage Circuit

60.00

4 Amusement park, landscaping and refurbishment at Poompuhar Tourist Complex

30.00

5 Refurbishment of Tourist Offices and Tourist Information Centres

20.00

6 Development of infrastructure at Pulicat

30.00

Total 152.56

The above works are under various stages.

C) Provision of Infrastructure facilities at Tourist Spots Tourism Department is attaching great importance to upgradation/creation

of infrastructure facilities at all tourist spots in Tamilnadu in a phased manner. A beginning was made in 2001-2002, when a sum of Rs.5.00 crores was spent for provision of infrastructure facilities/basic amenities (viz. drinking water, toilet, restaurant, illumination, approach roads, cloak room, parking lot, signages etc) at tourist spots spread over 15 Districts in 27 tourist centres.

Subsequently, funds are being provided by Government of Tamilnadu for infrastructure schemes every year and more tourist spots (especially lesser known) are being covered under the scheme. These measures have received overwhelming response from the District Collectors and they are sharing 50% of the project cost from District Administration /Member of Legislative Assembly / Member of Parliament constituency development funds. During 2003-2004 funds were sanctioned for provision of infrastructure facilities in 10 places and covering 8 Districts. The details of projects undertaken during 2004-2005 are as follows:-

(Rs. in lakhs)

Sl. No.

District Scheme Project cost

District Admn, share

Tourism Dept. share

1 Coim-batore

Development of Kovai-Courtallam and Velliangiri temple. (toilet, dress changing room, pathway, roads, protective ring around waterfalls, handrailings)

135.42 67.71 67.71

2 Coim-batore

Provision of infrastructure facilities at Thirumoorthy hills (Improvements to pathway to Thirumoorthy hills from Panchalingam, provision of steps)

8.45 4.225 4.225

3 Thoo-thukudi

Development of infrastructure at Nava thirupathigal temple areas (Srivaikundam, Natham, Thirupuliankudi, Erattaithirupathi) ( first phase) ( toilet, roads and drinking water)

48.75 24.38 24.37

4 Thoo-thukudi

Provision of infrastructure facilities at Kayalpattinam beach (drinking water, toilet, children's park and power supply)

30.00 15.00 15.00

5 Tiru-nelveli

a) Infrastructure facilities at Boothathan Kudiyiruppu

22.00 11.00 11.00

(rest shed, roads, children's park, street lights, drinking water supply)

6 Tiru-nelveli

b) Provision of infrastructure facilities at Kooniyur village (rest shed, roads, Children's park, lights, drinking water supply)

27.01 13.51 13.50

7 Tiru-nelveli

Development of Courtallam (dress changing rooms, parking lot, toilet facilities, partition board, lights etc.)

82.00 41.00 41.00

8 Tiru-nelveli

Provision of Infrastructure facilities at Koonthankulam Bird sanctuary

40.00 20.62 19.38

9 Nama-kkal Provision of infrastructure facilities at Arulmigu Arthanareeswarar thirukoil (toilet, road)

99.40 50.00 49.40

10 Kanni-yakumari

Boating facilities at Manakudi

18.00 9.00 9.00

11 Thanja-vur

Provision of lighting arrangements at Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal

3.00 2.25 0.75

12 Erode Provision of infrastructure facilities at Arulmigu Kodumudi Magudeswarar thirukoil (rest shed, street lights, drinking water, road)

35.00 17.50 17.50

13 Nagapa-ttinam

a) Articulation of sperm whale skeleton in Nagapattinam Museum

1.40 0.70 0.70

14 Nilgiris Provision of infrastructure facilities at Gudalur

85.00 42.50 42.50

15 Pudukkottai

Provision of infrastructure facilities at Avudaiyarkoil and Kudumianmalai . (rest shed, cloak room, lodge, toilet, road, lighting facilities)

40.41 20.205 20.205

16 Krishna-giri

Development of Mohamed Ghouse tank, view tower and telescope

77.00 38.50 38.50

D) Pilgrim Tourism

The places of worship in Tamilnadu viz. temples, churches and mosques attract thousands of pilgrims not only from other parts of India, but also from other parts of the world. Almost all the pilgrims become tourists after their visit to the worship centres. Hence, pilgrim centres have proved to be an effective marketing tool for the Tourism Department. Better amenities at the pilgrim centres would facilitate more number of tourists visiting these places in Tamilnadu. With this idea in mind, the Tourism Department, Government of Tamilnadu took up provision of basic amenities at the following pilgrim centres during 2004-2005.

Temple District Project cost (Rs. in lakhs)

Velliangiri temple - Coimbatore 75.00

Navathirupathi temples - Thoothukudi 98.75

Arthanareeswarar temple - Namakkal 99.40

Magudeswarar temple - Erode 35.00

Such efforts will continue during 2005-2006 and more places of worship would be covered.

E) Eco-Tourism:

Eco-Tourism is both nature based and sustainable. Across the world, due to rapid industrialization and stresses of urban life styles associated with it, tourists are showing more interest in Eco-Tourism. The Tourism Department, Government of Tamilnadu would like to capitalise on this situation. At the same time, efforts will be taken to ensure that promotion of Eco-Tourism does not in any way affect the extremely fragile ecology of the region.

Basic amenities were taken up at the following Eco-Tourism centres during

2004-2005 with Government of Tamilnadu financial assistances

Sl. No.

Place District

Estimated cost (Rs. in lakhs)

1 Kovai-Courtallam Coimbatore 60.42

2 Courtallam Tirunelveli 82.00

3 Thirumurthy hills Coimbatore 8.45

4 Gudalur The Nilgiris 85.00

During 2005-2006, the Eco-Tourism centres like Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri District and Elagiri hills in Vellore District would be developed.

F) Beach Tourism

The beach fronts in Tamilnadu offer recreation to tourists and to the local people. Hence, the beaches are flooded with people throughout the year. During vacation and the public holidays, the crowds become unmanageable. Hence, the Tourism Department is duly bound to provide basic amenities at beaches. During 2004-2005, the following beaches were taken up for development with Government of Tamilnadu Financial Assistance.

a) Kayalpattinam beach, Thoothukudi District Rs. 30.00 lakhs

b) Improvements to Poompuhar Tourist Complex, over looking the sea in Nagapattinam District Rs. 30.00 lakhs

c) Provision of infrastructure facilities at Pulicat (Back waters in Tiruvallur District) Rs. 30.00 lakhs

d) Thirumullaivasal Beach (Nagapattinam District) Rs. 7.45 lakhs

20) HISTORICAL / HERITAGE MONUMENTS

The details of historical monuments in Tamilnadu are as follows:-

Number of Monuments in Tamilnadu under the control of Archaeological Survey of India, Government of India

241

Number of Monuments under the control of Archaeological Department of the Government of Tamilnadu.

88

Since Tourists visit the above monuments in large numbers, the Department of Tourism is providing basic amenities in co-operation with Central/State agencies. During 2004-2005, the Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal in Thanjavur District were provided with certain basic amenities at a cost of Rs.3.00 lakhs sanctioned by Government of Tamilnadu. Such efforts will be continued in 2005-2006.

As per directive of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu, steps are being taken to preserve the Heritage Towns in co-operation with Town and Country Planning Department. The following were declared as heritage towns in the year 1993 and 1994.

1) Kancheepuram 20) Tranquebar

2) Chidambaram 21) Nagore

3) Rameswaram 22) Velankanni

4) Srirangam 23) Courtallam

5) Mamallapuram 24) Sriperumpudur

6) Srivilliputhur 25) Tirunelveli

7) Thanjavur 26) Tiruchengodu

8) Kumbakonam 27)Karaikkudi

9)Gangaikonda-cholapuram

28) Perur

10) Poompuhar 29) Bhavani

11) Madurai 30) Pichavaram

12) Palani 31) Marudhur

13) Tiruchendur 32) Kurinjipadi

14) Thiruthani 33)Thirumayam

15) Kanniyakumari 34) Sittannavasal

16) Tiruvannamalai 35) Avudayarkoil

17) Gingee 36)Padmanabhapuram

18) Chettinad 37) Kolachal

19) Vaalinokkam 38) Marakkanam

During 2004-2005, the following heritage towns were taken up for

development by the Town and Country Planning Department. Rs. in lakhs

Srirangam 50.00

Srivilliputhur 50.00

Pichavaram 50.00

Bhavani 50.00

Avudaiyarkoil 25.00

Five Vaishnava temples among nine Nava Thirupathi Temples in Thoothukudi District 50.00 Srimushnam near Virudhachalam, Parikal and Thirukoilur at Villupuram District 50.00

Idaikattur near Manamadurai 25.00

Sethukarai 25.00 ----------- Total 375.00

-----------

In addition to the above, the heritage centres of Chettinad (Rs.60.00 lakhs) and Pulicat (Rs.30.00 lakhs) were also taken up for development in 2004-05 from Tourism Department funds, Government of Tamilnadu.

Tranquebar:- This historical town is situated in Tranquebar Taluk of Nagapattinam District. It is 296 kms from Chennai on the east coast road. In the year 1620 AD, the Thanjavur province was under the rule of king Vijaya Ragunatha Nayak. On 5-5-1620 he granted permission to the King of Denmark, Christian IV to set-up their trading centre at Tranquebar. This marked the beginning of the presence of the people of Denmark in India and from then on several structures were built at Tranquebar.

Governor's Bungalow:- This was built in 1784. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Chennai-6 has been requested to undertake a conservation study of the Governor's Bungalow. The study is intended to guide the Tourism Department to renovate the Governor's Bungalow and utilise it for tourism promotion.

21) CULTURAL FESTIVALS AND FAIRS:

Tamilnadu is known for its ancient and rich heritage. A variety of living tradition and culture spread all over the state. Music, Dance and Drama form an integral part of the lives of the people of Tamilnadu for centuries. No tourist can afford to miss a performance of the pure form of Indian classical dance- Bharatha Natyam, which has been in existence for several centuries, unspoilt by time. For promoting cultural tourism in Tamilnadu, the following festivals have been identified as annual events. The programmes of these events are given wide publicity both in India and abroad well in advance to enable travel agencies/tour operators to arrange package tours to coincide with the events.

a) Seasonal Festivals:

Summer Festivals are being organised during May and June at Udhagamandalam, Yercaud, Kodaikanal, Elagiri, Kolli Hills, Nagappattinam Beach, Valparai, Javvadhu Hills and Silver Beach (Cuddalore).

Special Festivals are also conducted in memory of the freedom fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomman at Panchalankurichi in Tirunelveli District in May every year.

In addition, Saral Vizha is organised to entertain the tourists who visit the famous water falls at Courtallam in Tirunelveli District.

b) National Cultural Festival, Kanniyakumari

Kanniyakumari is a major tourist center in the Country. The important tourist attractions at Kanniyakumari are Vivekananda rock memorial, sun rise / sun set, Thiruvalluvar statue, Gandhi Mandapam etc. During 2004, as many as 18 lakh tourists had visited Kanniyakumari. In order to popularize Kanniyakumari at the national and international level, it is proposed to conduct a national cultural festival at Kanniyakumari. This was announced by the Hon'ble Chief Minister during the Collector's conference held at Chennai in August 2004. A sum of Rs.5.00 lakhs has been sanctioned by the Government of Tamilnadu for the conduct of this festival.

c) Chettinad Heritage Seminar and Festival

The very first point in the 7 point action plan unveiled by the Hon'ble Chief Minister in 2003 stresses the need to develop lesser known tourist centers like Chettinad. Accordingly, Tourism Department has taken several steps to give worldwide publicity to the heritage value of Chettinad. With this idea in mind, a Chettinad heritage seminar and festival was conducted at Karaikudi on 3rd and 4th of March 2005. The event included audio visual presentation on Chettinad heritage areas, cultural programmes, Symposium etc. Leading travel agencies, tour operators, hoteliers and travel writers from India and abroad participated as delegates.

d) National Pilgrim festival at Rameswaram

Rameswaram is a major pilgrim center in the country. Notable tourist spots at Rameswaram are Ramanathasamy temple, the bathing ghat, Ganthamathana parvatham, Kothandaramar temple, Kurusadai Islands etc. During 2004, a little over 18 lakh tourists had visited Rameswaram. In order to attract more tourists and specially pilgrims to Rameswaram, it is proposed to give wide publicity about Rameswaram by conducting a national pilgrim festival. A sum of Rs.5.00 lakhs has been sanctioned by the State Government for this purpose. During the festival,

Rameswaram and other tourist attractions of Tamilnadu will be highlighted through audio visual presentation, cultural progammes, symposium, exhibition etc.

e) Dance Festivals:

Place Month in which held

1) Dance Festival -Mamallapuram December / January 2) Natyanjali Festival - Chidambaram February / March

f) Harvest Festivals:

1) Pongal Festival - in all important Tourist spots in Tamilnadu -January 2) Tea and Tourism Festival, Udhagamandalam/Coonoor January 3) Mango Festival, Krishnagiri - June

22) TRADE FAIR AND EXHIBITIONS:

1) World Tourism Day - Celebrated by all Tourist Offices and Tourist Information Centres including those in other States -September

2) All India Tourist and Industrial Trade Fair, Island Grounds, Chennai - December-March

3) Tourism Department participates in the Government Exhibitions conducted by Information and Public Relations Department at Salem, Coimbatore, Madurai and disseminates information on Tourism.

Tourism Department also participates in several special festivals held in the following places:-

Sl.

No.

Festival Place Month

1 Sandanakkoodu Festival

Erwadi March

2 Chithirai Full Moon Festival

Madurai and Poompuhar

April/May

3 Car Festival Thiruvarur May

4 Chithirai Visu Festival

Tirunelveli May

5 Aadi Pooram Festival

Melmaruvat

hur

July

6 Aadipperukku Festival

Bhavani Kooduthurai & Hogenakkal

July/ August

7 Velankanni Madha Festival

Velankanni August/ Septem-ber

8 Kandhuri Festival Nagore August/ Septem-ber

9 Sadhaya Vizha Thanjavur October/ Novem-ber

23) NATIONAL PARKS AND WILD LIFE SANCTUARIES: Migratory Birds from various countries visit certain places (Bird sanctuaries)

during seasons for breeding and nesting. Since large number of tourists visit the sanctuaries, this department is taking steps to provide basic amenities in these sanctuaries. During 2004-2005, funds were provided for provision of basic amenities at the following bird sanctuaries

Pulicat - Tiruvallur District - Rs. 30.00 lakhs

Koonthankulam -Tirunelveli District - Rs. 40.00 lakhs

24) DURING 2005-2006, IT IS PROPOSED TO TAKE UP INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES WITH GOVERNMENT OF TAMILNADU FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Sl. No.

District Scheme Project cost Rs. in lakhs

District Admn, share

Tourism Dept. share

1 Salem Development of Taramangalam

16.25 8.125 8.125

2 Tiruchira-ppalli

Provision of infrastructure facilities at Kumaravayalur

15.00 7.50 7.50

3 Kanniya-kumari

Provision of Bio-diversity park at Udhayagiri fort

37.50 18.75 18.75

4 Kanniya-

kumari Provision of pathway around inside the Udayagiri Fort

35.00 17.50 17.50

5 Tiruvanna-malai

Provision of infrastructure facilities at Javadhu hills and Sathanur dam

108.00 54.00 54.00

6 Tiruvanna-malai

Provision of infrastructure facilities at Tiruvannamalai

75.50 37.75 37.75

7 Tiruvanna-malai

Provision of infrastructure facilities at Arulmighu Sivasubramaniakoil in Elathur Mottur in Polur Taluk

19.50 9.75 9.75

8 Dindigul Provision of infrastructure facilities at Kodaikanal

120.00 60.00 60.00

9 Nagapatt-inam

Provision of basic amenities at Tirumanancheri

20.00 10.00 10.00

10 Nagapatti-nam

Provision of infrastructure facilities at Sirkhazhi

15.00 7.50 7.50

11 Krishna-giri

Improvement around Thally Big Tank

60.00 30.00 30.00

12 Krishna-giri

Provision of basic amenities at Devarbetta pilgrim center

69.00 34.50 34.50

13 Villu-puram

Provision of infrastructure facilities at Poovanesam Kuppam pilgrim center

17.00 8.50 8.50

14 Villu-puram

Provision of infrastructure facilities at St. Antony's Thiruthalam in Melnariappanur Panchayat in Chinna Salem Panchayat Union

20.80 10.40 10.40

15 Thanjavur Provision of basic amenities at Pilgrim center

4.50 2.25 2.25

16 Thanjavur Provision of infrastructure facilities at Poondimadha Basilica

20.00 10.00

10.00

17 Thanjavur Provision of Basic amenities at Punnainallur Mariammankoil

50.00 25.00 25.00

18 Madurai Provision of infrastructure facilities at Thiruparankundram pilgrim center

41.00 20.50 20.50

19 Karur Provision of infrastructure facilities at Iyarmalai Rathinagreeswarar temple

32.40 16.20 16.20

20 The Nilgiris

Provision of infrastructure facilities at Udhagamandalam

80.00 40.00 40.00

21 Tirunel-

veli Provision of infrastructure facilities at Nainarkulam

220 170 50.00

22 Coim-batore

Development of Sulur lake

30.00 15.00 15.00

25) OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES FOR 2005-06: (a) Tourist arrivals: The Tourism Department has already fixed a target to

increase the tourist inflow by 10 to 12% from the earlier level of 7 to 9% during the tenth Five Year Plan period (2002-2007). The same target will hold good for the year 2005-2006 also.

(b) Period of stay: Period of stay by tourists in Tamilnadu is very important from the point of view of earning of revenue by the Government and generation of local economic activities. Hence, Tourism Department is very keen on making the tourists stretch their period of stay in Tamil Nadu as follows:

Sl. No.

Current "stay" period of tourists

Target fixed by Tourism

Dept 1. 4 to 5 days

(Domestic Tourists) 7 to 8 days

2. 7 days (Foreign Tourists) 10 days

The above target was fixed during the year 2004-2005. Steps have been taken to achieve these targets by promoting lesser known destinations; putting up new activities like sound and light shows, ropeways, new boat houses; improving road connectivity to other places of interest near major tourist centres, etc. This target will hold good for the year 2005-2006 also.

d) The advancement in science & technology, especially in the field of Information Technology will continue to be harnessed for tourism promotion. The Tourism website and online booking facilities will be continuously upgraded and fine tuned.

e) To fulfill the objective of achieving higher growth rate in tourist arrivals, the strategy would be to provide excellent infrastructure facilities at all tourist spots in a phased manner. A beginning was made during 2001-02 and this will be continued uninterrupted every year.

The other strategies are as follows:-

Advertisement in dailies, magazines, etc. (both domestic and foreign) Telecast of short films and advertisements in TV Channels Publicity in Close Circuit Televisions at railway stations, airports, bus

terminals etc. Touch screen information kiosks at important places Interactive website Printing and distribution of high quality literature in multiple

languages. E-marketing Road Shows Sponsoring of live and recorded programmes in Radio and TV

26) PRUDENT INITIATIVES FOR A POWERFUL FUTURE

In pursuit of excellence in promoting the tourism industry in Tamilnadu, the Tourism Department has been introducing several novel measures every year. All the new measures have the sole aim of providing value added service to tourists. It is proposed to try out the following new initiatives during 2005-2006.

a) Medical Tourism - Wealth within health

Tamilnadu has excellent multi specialty hospitals, which offer best medical treatment at surprisingly low rates. In Thailand every year 10 lakhs foreign patients undergo medical treatment. Every year more than 2 lakh people travel to Singapore for medical services that range from ordinary health screening to specialized treatment for the heart, eyes, brain and for the management of various forms of cancer. It is expected that by the year 2025, the revenue generated by medical tourism in India would be anywhere between 10 to 11,000 crore of rupees. In India, the cost of medical treatment is very low. In the U.S. one has to spend as much as Rs.13.50 lakhs for heart surgery. But, in India the same treatment can be availed at an approximate cost of Rs. 2.7 lakhs. In Tamilnadu various other forms of Medicine viz. Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani, Nature therapy, Yoga are also practised, which the foreigners are inclined to patronise. Since, the patients and their attendants contribute in a big way to growth of tourism, tourism Department is taking steps to promote the "illness to wellness concept" by dovetailing tourism

with health care. During the year 2004 alone, 1.80 lakhs patients from foreign countries had undergone medical treatment in India.

Tamilnadu Tourism participated in the International Medical Tourism Exhibition at Bahrain in December 2004 in association with several private sector, Hospitals and Hotels from the State. The occasion was utilised to publicise the cost effective potential of the State in medical tourism.

Hence, it is seen that the climate is conducive in Tamilnadu for promoting medical tourism. For the benefit of health tourists, the immigration authorities at the Chennai International Airport have been requested to provide quick clearances. A request has been sent from the Tourism Department to Government of India to introduce a new category of "medical visas" to promote medical tourism. b) Promotion and Marketing

During 2004-2005, over 20 varieties of pamphlets and posters were printed

and distributed. The subject matter of the pamphlets / posters are as follows Enchanting Tamilnadu (In English, French & German languages) Pudukkottai Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation. Chennai Music festival Kanniyakumari District Tourism Development works Mamallapuram dance festival Postal Aerograms Navagraha temples Arupadaiveedu temples Chettinad Government Museum

The surrealistic visuals used in the advertisement campaign were unique and earned great appreciation from travel trade, tourists and the media. During 2004-2005, thematic CDs were brought out for wide publicity. A special leaflet was also brought out highlighting the impact of the Tsunami and reassuring the tourists that Tamilnadu was very much a safe destination.

The international tourism market is highly volatile. The demands are new and hence our ideas have to be new, if new horizons have to be reached. This becomes all the more necessary, since the quest of Tourism Department is to make the State a leading global destination. The publicity campaigns will therefore continue to be aggressive and innovative.

c) Sports Tourism Tamilnadu boasts of "state of the art" sports stadia, which are comparable to

international standards. Whenever any international sports event is held here, it attracts players from foreign countries and spectators from all over India. The participants and the spectators visit tourist places either before or after the event is over. Besides, such events also create awareness about the tourism potential of the State. Thus the Chennai Open Tennis Tournament sponsored by the Government of Tamilnadu as one of the major sponsors gave an opportunity to Tourism Department to publicise the tourism wealth of the State. During this tournament which was held in January 2005, the brand statement of "Enchanting Tamilnadu" was prominently displayed in the playing courts and in the telecast of the matches. Tourist attractions of the State were also shown during the telecast of the matches.

The theme of the tourists and Industrial Fair 2005 was aptly kept as " Sports and Tourism". The Tourism Department will continue to take steps to utilise potential available in the sports sector of the State to promote tourism. d) Stay by Day Scheme The Pilgrim Centres in the State are accessible overnight by Bus or by Train and one can reach the destination early in the morning. Departures are till late into the night. This gives travelers enough time for relaxed sight seeing and shopping. However the Pilgrim tourists, especially from low income groups, are often deterred from Traveling with families because of the lack of suitable resting rooms at affordable prices for the long day. Lodges are sometimes expensive and not seen as acceptable for stay with families.

In order to meet the requirement of Pilgrim tourists from low income groups and to facilitate them to visit pilgrim centers by incurring minimum expenditure, it is proposed to introduce a new scheme by name " Stay by day ". Under this scheme Women's Self Help Groups will be encouraged to provide rest rooms with basic facilities. The following facilities would be offered to the tourists at affordable prices.

a) Booking and transport arrangements from the train/bus station (for a fee) b) Morning Tiffin. c) A guide (optional) to show them around the temple or sightseeing place. d) Lunch e) Mosquito-free, clean, well-lit rooms for taking bath etc and afternoon rest. Guests can leave their luggage safely here when they go out to shop or for the darshan etc.

f) 'Tiffin' / 'Dinner' for the night train or bus. Therefore Tourists, especially the family and Women Tourists from low income groups, are likely to welcome these Stay-by-Day family homes. Initially, it is proposed to open one centre each at Kumbakonam and Thanjavur as a pilot project with the help of a voluntary agency. e) Road shows

Tourism Department has proposed to open Tourist Offices and Tourist Information centres in all the important towns of India in a phased manner. At present, Tourist Offices and Tourist Information centres are functioning in the following cities outside Tamilnadu. Tourist Office

Mumbai, Kolkatta, Panaji,Goa New Delhi Jaipur Agra Tourist Information Centre

Bangalore Hyderabad Thiruvanathapuram Ahmedabad Bhubaneshwar Chandigarh Guwahati Varanasi

Opening of Tourist Offices /Tourist Information Centres is an expensive affair. Hence, as an interim measure road shows, i.e. Publicity Campaigns were organized in various States of India. To make the Marketing Campaign more result oriented, it is proposed to conduct road shows at important cities in India during which the tourist wealth of Tamilnadu would be highlighted. Tamilnadu cuisine, folk arts etc will be show cased. Holding of Press Conferences, Interaction with the local Travel / Hotel Industry and with representatives of Tourism Department of the respective states etc. would form part of the road show. During 2005-2006, it is also proposed to conduct such publicity campaigns in Hydarabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Varanasi, Jaipur, Ahamadabad and Visakapatinam

f) Palace on Wheel type Train

SITCON (South India Tourism Council) consisting of the Southern States is taking steps to introduce a Palace on Wheels Type train, which will take the tourists to important tourist attractions in the 4 southern states viz. Tamilnadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka & the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Estimated cost for the introduction of Palace on Wheel Type Train would be around Rs. 40.00 Crores. The pattern of funding the project and other details are being worked out. g)Participation in overseas Travel and Tourism Marts

One of the major advantages associated with Tourism sector is its capacity to earn foreign exchange. Foreign tourists constitute the high spending group, who naturally contribute significantly to the growth of the local economy and to the foreign exchange reserves of the country. Hence to attract more number of foreign tourists, Tourism Department, Government of Tamilnadu participated in the following international travel marts in 2004-05.

Gateway of South Asia Travel Mart at Sri Lanka - October 2004 World Travel Mart, London - November 2004 International Medical Tourism Exhibition at Bahrain - December 2004 International Tourism Bourse, (ITB) Berlin - March 2005

The Tourism Department will continue to take steps to attract more tourists

from foreign countries by participating in International Travel Marts. Our ultimate target is to attain the status of a global player in the Tourism sector. 27) TRAINING IN HOTEL MANAGEMENT AND CATERING TECHNOLOGY:

Tourism is essentially a hospitality oriented industry. Hence it is necessary to inject professionalism in the various fields like reception, cooking, hospitality, interior decoration etc. Tamil Nadu has two Government Catering Institutes.

a) State Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Tiruchirappalli The Institute was established in the year 1981. It is approved by All India

Council of Technical Education, New Delhi and affiliated to Directorate of Technical Education, Government of Tamilnadu. Until 1986, the Government of India had provided financial grants to this Institute and thereafter the Government of Tamilnadu is extending grant to this institute every year. The institute conducts 3 years diploma course in Catering Technology and one year certificate course in Front office and Book keeping, Food Production, Bakery and confectionery, Food and beverage services and House keeping. At present more than 800 students are

studying in this institution. Most of them are getting placement through Campus interviews.

b) Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition,Taramani, Chennai.

This Institute was established in 1963 by Government of India and it is sponsored by Government of Tamil Nadu. The capital grant is funded by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the recurring expenditure is self financed by the Institute. The Secretary to Government, Information and Tourism Department, Government of Tamilnadu is the Chairman of the Board of Directors. This Institute conducts courses on Hotel Management/Catering technology, Food production, Food beverage services etc. At present more than 900 students are studying in this institution.

28) ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES IN TAMILNADU Various steps are being taken by Tourism Department to promote the tourist

interests of Tamilnadu. One of them is to increase the period of stay of domestic tourists from 4-5 days to 7-8 days and foreign tourists from 7 days to 10 days. In view of the relentless efforts being taken to increase the inflow of tourists to Tamilnadu, there is bound to be a huge demand in the near future for accommodation facilities in Tamilnadu especially in and around tourist centres. Apart from Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation's chain of hotels numbering 55, there are large number of classified private hotels in Tamilnadu viz.

Category No. of hotels

Heritage 3 5D Star 4

5 Star 3 4 Star 5 3 Star 43

2 Star 17 1 Star 3 --------- - Total 78 -----------

Apart from the above, there are numerous unclassified hotels in Tamilnadu. The classified hotels alone have a combined room strength of around 5000 comprising of single, double and family rooms.

The hotel industry in Tamilnadu was given a big concession by Government in 2002-2003 when the luxury tax was reduced as follows:-

Sl. No. Details Rate of Tax a Where the rate of charges for

accommodation for residence is not less than rupees two hundred but less than rupees five hundred per room per day.

5%

b Where such rate is not less than rupees five hundred but less than rupees one thousand per room per day

10%

c Where such rate is rupees one thousand or more per room per day

12.5%

This has benefited the tourists to a great extent. This Department will take steps to encourage the private hoteliers to put up more number of Hotels in Tamilnadu. 29) CAPACITY BUILDING FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS

Under this scheme, Government of India has sanctioned a sum of Rs.7.30 lakhs during 2003-04 for conduct of short refresher courses for hotel staff, taxi/coach drivers/receptionists and bed & breakfast scheme providers. Similar short refresher courses for the service providers, hotel staff, taxi, coach drivers would be organized during 2005-06.

30) TAMILNADU TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LIMITED Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) was incorporated in 1971 with the main object of promoting tourism in Tamilnadu by building tourism related infrastructure facilities on commercial basis. TTDC made a modest beginning by taking over 5 Government bungalows and operated 2 coaches. Since then TTDC has made rapid strides and today it has earned the proud distinction of owning large number of hotels in India numbering 55. The fleet of coaches has increased to 22. TTDC is providing the following facilities for the benefit of the tourists covering all the major tourist destinations in the State.

Hotels Youth Hostels Restaurants Boat Houses Telescope Houses Lake Park Petrol Bunk

In the Youth Hostels operated by TTDC, dormitory accommodation is provided to the budget tourists. This has been particularly useful to the tourists to avail low cost accommodation even during the peak season in Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud. Franchising of TTDC Hotels:

TTDC has already been permitted by the Government to franchise 31 Hotels and 10 restaurants. So far TTDC has franchised 11 Hotels and 4 Restaurants through transparent tender procedure. In addition, two Hotels at Tiruchirappalli (Unit-II) and Thanjavur (Unit-II) were already given on long term lease. Transport Division: TTDC operates about 37 types of package tours ranging from half a day to 14 days. The tours cover not only the tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu, but all the Southern States and also States like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa. Besides, TTDC also operates special package tours catering to the specific demands of the tourists from Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius and South Africa. The details of package tours run by TTDC are as follows:-

1. Half Day - Chennai City sight seeing Tour

2. One Day - Kancheepuram-Mamallapuram Tour (Round Trip)

3. One Day - Pondicherry TourS 4. One Day - Thirupathi Tour ( Day Trip) 5. One Day - Thiruvannamalai Girivalam

Tour 6. One Day - Surutapalli Tour 7. One Day- Sakthi Tour ( Deviyar Darshan) 8. One Day - Thirumal Darhsan Tour

(Nine Balaji Temples around Chennai)

9. One Day - Kolavai Lake, Vandalur Zoo and \Kishkinta Tour

10. One Day - Fun & Entertainment Tour 11. Three Days - Navagragha Tour

(Nine Planets Tour) 12. Three Days - Nava Thirupathigal Tour 13.Three Days - Panchabootha Thalangal Tour 14. Four Days - Arupadai Veedu Tour

(Lord Muruga Tour) 15. Six Days - South India Tour 16. Seven Days - Mookambika Tour 17.Seven Days - Goa-Mantralayam -

Puttaparthi Tour 18. Seven Days - Andhra Tour 19. Eight Days - East West Coast Tour 20. Eight Days - Tamil Nadu Tour 21. Fourteen Days - Mumbai - Ajantha Ellora

Tour 22. Fourteen Days - Sunny South Tour 23. Fourteen Days - Puri - Gaya - Kasi - Allahabad Tour

SPECIAL TOURS 24. Ooty Tour 25. Kodaikanal Tour

26. Yercaud - Hogenakkal Tour 27. Mysore Tour 28. Elagiri Tour 29. Courtallam Tour 30. One Day - Tiruthani - Kalahasti-

Nallathor- Mathur Tour 31. One Day - Thondainattu Thirupathigal

Tour 32. One Day - Thennangur - Uthiramerur –

Madhuranthagam Tour 33. One Day - Vallakottai - Thiruthani Tour 34. Three Days - Munnar Tour 35. Four Days - Chozhanattu Thirupathigal

Tour 36. Five Days - Pandiyanattu

Thirupathigal Tour 37. Five Days - Hyderabad – Vijayawada Tour

FAIR DIVISION: TTDC organises the India Tourist and Industrial Fair in the Island Grounds, Chennai every year from December last week to March. However, the Fair 2005 was inaugurated with a delay of about 3 weeks due to the Tsunami which hit the coastal areas of the State on 26.12.2004. The temporary wooden bridges constructed across the Cooum river in the Fair Site were washed away due to Tsunami and had to be re-built with great speed.

The crowd attendance during this fair was low initially, but picked up subsequently and the gate collections have exceeded the previous year’s collections. During the non-fair period, several private exhibitions like the Indian Consumers Exhibitions were held and have fetched an income of Rs.31.00 lakhs. Steps are being taken to publicise the Island Ground among the leading Exhibitors to facilitate the conduct of private exhibitions at the Island Ground during the non fair period.

SALES PROMOTION AND MARKETING:

1. TTDC has entered into tie up arrangement with India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) for letting out our coaches on hire for operating their Thirupathi tour on daily basis with effect from February 2005. This would fetch an additional turnover of Rs.60.00 lakhs during 2005-2006. 2. The National Airport Authority have extended their agreement for accommodating their employees at Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation's Kodaikanal Hotel for the year 2005-2006 also.

3. Steps are being taken to enter into agreement with private hoteliers for securing a minimum of 6000 guaranteed room nights per annum covering 12 TTDC Hotels. This would fetch an additional income of Rs.30.00 lakhs to TTDC during the year 2005-2006. 4. The Education Department has approached TTDC for organising special package tours in various districts of Tamilnadu for the benefit of students under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Programme. Apart from rendering a service to the students, these tours would help to improve the performance of TTDC significantly.

5. Steps are being taken to forge agreement with private tour operators for accommodating the tourists of their package tours in Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation's Kanniyakumari Hotel on regular basis. This would augment the revenue of TTDC.

6. Special package tours were organised for several companies in the Private Sectors during the year 2004-2005. Efforts are being taken to contact leading Companies both in public sector and private sector for organising similar package tours during 2005-2006 also. Online Reservation of TTDC chain of Hotels & Package Tours: The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu launched the Online Reservation with Payment Gateway System of TTDC on 02-07-2004. TTDC has earned the distinction of being the first State Tourism Corporation in India to launch this online reservation system with Payment Gateway.

The Online Reservation System has been launched at http://www.ttdconline.com wherein tourists can book any of TTDC hotels and also package tours instantly from anywhere in the world. The payments can be made by using credit cards and confirmation of bookings obtained instantly.

This system will help tourists to plan their travel sitting at home. Tourists can get confirmed accommodation in Hotels and also confirmed seat in package Tours through this online booking by using their credit cards viz Master card and Visa cards.

The website has got the provision for tourists to access Tamilnadu tourism website at http://www.tamilnadutourism.org wherein detailed information is available about tourist places of Tamilnadu, Package Tours of TTDC, Chain of TTDC hotels and its tariff, facilities offered by TTDC, festivals of Tamilnadu etc. At present around 250 tourists are visiting this website daily.

Confirmation of the tours / hotel accommodations booked by the tourists through the online reservation system are sent online to the persons who have done the booking and a copy is also generated for TTDC's records. The entire operation of this system is online and instantaneous.

TTDC has made bookings to the tune of Rs.14.13 lakhs as of March 2005 through online bookings from the following: Foreign Countries Indian States/

Union Territories Spain Kerala United States Maharashtra Australia Karnataka Finland Utter Pradesh Norway Andhra Pradesh Canada West Bengal Italy Gujarat

Japan New Delhi Germany Pondicherry Netherlands Goa

Steps taken to improve the performance of T.T.D.C.

1. Installation of televisions on hire basis in all major TTDC hotels 2. Launching Online Reservation System with Payment Gateway. 3. Upgradation of restaurants and bars in select TTDC hotels 4. Replacement of 4 Mini Coaches 5. Purchase of 120 Boats to augment the Boating income in various Boat

Houses. 6. Inauguration of additional Boat House at Ooty. 7. Upgradation works at Youth Hostel, Ooty at a cost of Rs.6 lakhs. 8. Installation of Energy Saver at Madurai II Hotel to reduce power consumption

charges. The annual savings in power consumption is estimated at Rs.1.10 lakhs.

9. Upgradation works at Rameswaram at a cost of Rs.1.50 lakhs. 10. Upgradation of cottages at Yercaud at Rs.3.30 lakhs. 11. Improvements at Boat House, Ooty at a cost of Rs.8 lakhs. 12. Improvement works at Thiruvalluvar Statue including providing poly silicon

coating to Thiruvalluvar statue at a cost of Rs.32 lakhs. 13. Installation of computerised Billing Machines at Kodaikanal,

Yercaud, Muttukadu and Pitchavaram Boat Houses. Steps proposed to be taken for improvement of performance during the year 2005-2006: 1. Outsourcing the work of D category workers in hotels to facilitate qualitative

improvement in standards of house keeping and customer service. 2. Immediate replacement of old and worn out coaches/Tempo Travellers. 3. Upgradation of the restaurants and bars of TTDC with first class furniture and

interiors. 4. Introduction of cost reduction measures in hotels like the energy saver, etc. 5. Purchase of additional boats to augment the boating revenue. 6. Early execution of the work of construction of boat house at T.R. Bazaar in

Nilgiris District and purchasing of boats for the new boat house. 7. Focussing on rail-cum-road tours, with sustained and well laid out

advertisement campaign. 8. Introduction of New Rail-cum-Road tour linking Hyderabad. 9. Erection of attractive hoardings at vantage locations.

10. Replacement of old mattresses and pillows in the Hotels. 11. Replacement of old Air-conditioners. 12. Early implementation of the projects of passenger ropeway at Ooty, Kodaikanal,

Kanniyakumari and Yercaud which would yield substantial revenue to the Corporation.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE:

TTDC has achieved a turnover of Rs.3956.53 lakhs during the year 2004-2005 (Revised Estimate) compared to the turnover of Rs.3946.78 lakhs achieved during the year 2003-2004. TTDC is anticipating a net profit of Rs.250.00 lakhs (before tax) for the year 2004-2005 compared to the net profit of Rs.293.21 lakhs achieved during the year 2003-2004. The marginal decline in the net profits is attributed to the unseasonal rain at Ooty during the peak summer season and business loss suffered due to Tsunami which damaged the properties of TTDC at Beach Resort Complex, Mamallapuram, the infrastructure facilities at Thiruvalluvar Statue and View Tower at Kanniyakumari, Boat Houses at Muttukadu and Mudaliarkuppam. Though TTDC sustained substantial losses due to Tsunami and unseasonal rain at Ooty, it is still expected to achieve a net profit of Rs.250.00 lakhs for the year 2004-2005.

OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE:

The introduction of VRS (Voluntary Retirement scheme) has resulted in substantial savings in establishment costs and increase in the franchise income. Moreover, steps are being taken to franchise all the loss making hotels/restaurants and to focus on improving the maintenance standards and customer service of the major hotels. This would go a long way in improving the existing occupancy levels of these hotels and earn substantial profits to T.T.D.C. On the transport front, emphasis would be laid on modernising the fleet and on widening the network of Rail-cum-Road tours. The Ropeway projects on implementation would yield substantial income and profits to T.T.D.C.

31) AWARDS GALORE

In the last one year, Tamilnadu Tourism has won several prestigious awards, both at the National and International level.

a) T3 Amadeus Award

This award was received at the SATTE (South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange) held in New Delhi in March 2004. The award was for excellently organizing the best " Tourism Event of the year" , namely the 64th SKAL World Congress. (It may be noted that T3 is a reputed tourism journal and Amadeus is a leading system developer in the field of tourism).

b) Galileo Express Travel and Tourism Award

This award was received in November 2004 for "Best Technology programme" i.e. optimum utilisation of information technology for promoting tourism by the introduction of online reservation with payment gateway facility for the Hotels and Package Tours of the Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation. (It may be noted that Express represents the Indian Express group and Galileo is a leading system developer in the field of tourism).

c) PATWA International Award The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), a well known body in the

field of world tourism, has awarded the prestigious International Award to Tamil Nadu Tourism for promoting Chettinad heritage tourism. This award was received by Tamilnadu Tourism during the International Tourism Bourse, Berlin, held in March 2005.

A. MILLER,

MINISTER FOR TOURISM.