‘TN trying to attract 20Kcr investment in tourism in next 5 yrs’

Post-Covid, foreign tourist arrivals to Tamil Nadu fell to four lakh in 2022. However, they more than doubled the following year. And with the sector reviving, Tamil Nadu tourism secretary B Chandra Mohan, in an interview to TOI, details the initiatives taken to boost numbers. Excerpts:

 How do you plan to promote TN to tourists from abroad?

Tamil Nadu is strengthening its tourism sector locally and globally by revealing hidden attractions and spearheading initiatives through the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). This includes unique packages such as the Unesco world heritage site tour and Ponniyin Selvan tour and church and Jain circuits. The goal is to increase international arrivals, provide world-class services and generate foreign exchange. Tourism department is working on the integrated development of infrastructure, participating in domestic and international marketing events, and promoting TN through fairs, publicity campaigns, exhibitions. These have led to a rise in tourist numbers.

 What is the year-on-year growth the department expects in international tourist arrivals over the next five years?

In 2023, Tamil Nadu attracted more than 11.7 lakh international travellers. In the first seven months of 2024, we recorded 7.2 lakh international visitors, and the number will touch 14 lakh by the end of the year. We expect that foreign tourist arrivals to Tamil Nadu will grow by 15% to 20% every year.

Tamil Nadu is poised to become a global destination, blending its rich cultural heritage with modern infrastructure. From pilgrimages and heritage trails to eco-tourism and adventure experiences, the state is evolving to meet the diverse interests of travellers while preserving its unique traditions.

What steps are being taken to attract investments in the hospitality and tourism sector?

The first-ever Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy 2023 is designed to position tourism as a major economic driver for the state, encouraging private sector investment and participation. By creating an investor-friendly environment through regulatory reforms, strategic incentives and targeted interventions, the state is positioning itself to attract 20,000 crore in tourism investments over the next five years. The policy offers a range of incentives, including tax benefits and subsidies, to make tourism projects more appealing to investors.

The state is also concentrating on focus tourism destinations (FTDs) and focus tourism corridors (FTCs) to ensure targeted infrastructure growth. Private sector investment will be encouraged in specific locations, and the department will periodically publish a list of FTDs and FTCs to guide the development efforts. Additionally, priority FTDs will be identified and given extra financial incentives to attract more private investment.

 What are the verticals and categories that Tamil Nadu is focusing on to attract investment?

Thirteen tourism projects have been identified to promote private sector investment. These include amusement parks, heritage hotels, experiential resorts, eco-huts/camps, ropeways, wellness resorts, oceanariums/aquariums, golf courses, plantation/farm tourism projects, museums, cruises and caravans. These initiatives aim to create a dynamic tourism infrastructure, attracting both domestic and international tourists while boosting the state’s economy.

By encouraging private participation, Tamil Nadu aims to create a more dynamic and resilient tourism industry capable of driving economic growth across the state.

 What will be the contribution of the hospitality and tourism sector to the $1 trillion economy that Tamil Nadu is hoping to reach by 2030?

The hospitality and tourism sector will play a pivotal role in meeting this ambitious target. By focusing on attracting high-value, long-stay, and high-spending tourists, the state can enhance revenue streams. Currently, the sector’s contribution is between 10% and 12% of the state GDP. I feel that there will be an increase by another 2% by 2030.


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