The Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy 2023

(இதன் தமிழ் வடிவத்திற்கு இங்கே சொடுக்கவும்)

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy

• Tourism sector plays an important role in providing employment and earning foreign exchange.
• Tamil Nadu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
• Tamil Nadu has a variety of tourist attractions, grand temples, scenic mountains and forests, beautiful beaches, etc. to attract a wide range of tourists.
• The Tamil Nadu government is implementing various schemes to improve the tourism sector which has such great opportunities.
• Tourism is a significant driver of economic growth and employment generation worldwide.

• Tourism has the potential to generate employment in a wide range of skills such as skilled professionals, local artisans, guides, small scale entrepreneurs.
• The Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy has been formulated to promote Tamil Nadu as a suitable destination for tourists throughout the year.
• It aims to increase the length of stay of tourists and increase the facilities and structures to attract foreign tourists and foreign investment.
• The policy is based on research and extensive study to ensure a strong foundation and a progressive approach to suit changing times and needs.
• The Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy has been developed with the participation of tourism experts, stakeholders and tourism experts working at various platforms in the tourism industry.

• Tamil Nadu has the largest tourism industry in India with a percentage share of 21.31% and 21.86% of domestic and foreign tourist visits in the country.
• According to the 2020 Ministry of Tourism report, the number of domestic arrivals was at 494.8 million.
• It makes the state the second most popular tourist destination in the country.
• It has foreign arrivals numbered 6.86 million, the highest in the country.
• It is making the most popular state for tourism in the country.
• Tamil Nadu has more than 4,000 years of continuous cultural history.
• Tamil Nadu has some of the most remarkable temple architecture in the country, and a living tradition of music, dance, folk arts and fine arts.

• Tamil Nadu is well renowned for its temple towns and heritage sites, hill stations, waterfalls, national parks, local cuisine, natural environment and wildlife.
• Tamil Nadu with a GDP of $260 billion is the second largest economy of the country.
• Tourism is one of the main sources of its revenue.
• Tourism in the state is promoted by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation headquartered in the capital city of Chennai.
• Tamil Nadu is a year-round tourist destination, and its industrial sector is the largest in the country.
• Tamil Nadu government has unveiled its new tourism policy to develop the State into the most attractive experiential destination in Asia with multi-pronged goals.

• The Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy 2023 was released by Chief Minister M K Stalin.
• It states that the state government will ensure that all anchor tourism sites in Tamil Nadu are technologically equipped for enhanced tourist safety and convenience.
• Also, it plans virtual tourist information Centres across all anchor tourism sites in Tamil Nadu.
• The introduction of Tamil Nadu's first-ever Tourism Policy represents a momentous milestone for the tourism industry in Tamil Nadu.
• Tourism plays a pivotal role in Tamil Nadu's socio-economic landscape, with its rich cultural heritage, historic sites, natural beauty, and vibrant traditions attracting millions of visitors annually.
• Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy aims to create a policy framework to move tourism into a major economic sector of Tamil Nadu.
• It has a focus on increased revenues for local economy, support to local communities and growing tourism on a sustainable platform.

• The Policy strives to create a sustainable tourism eco-system in Tamil Nadu and lays emphasis on providing a safe and high – quality experience for tourists and also to create a confident and conducive environment.
• It is safer and mutually rewarding – for tourists, businesses and other stakeholders.

Guiding principles of the Policy

• Focusing on Destination Development
• Protecting the tangible as well as the intangible
• Mapping the tourist journey
• Empowering private sector participation
• Creating an identity that resonates with the local stakeholders and creates a sense of civic pride
• Targeting higher value rather than higher footfalls
• Creating authentic and memorable experiences

Policy Period

• This Policy shall be valid for a period of 5 years from the date of the policy notification, or till a new Policy is announced.
• The Government of Tamil Nadu may periodically revise this Policy from time to time.
• The Government of Tamil Nadu may extend the period of this Policy as and when required.
• The Policy shall be applicable to the entire state and shall give direction to future schemes / works concerning Tamil Nadu’s Tourism sector.

Vision Statement

• It aims to make Tamil Nadu into the most attractive experiential destination in Asia.

Mission & Objectives

• Focus on Destination Development, along with its effective management and promotion.
• Offer extraordinary experiences leveraging the people, vibrant living cultures, diverse natural locations, ancient traditions, and history of Tamil Nadu.

Objectives

• The policy seeks to redefine the tourism landscape of the state.
• It aims to elevate Tamil Nadu's tourism beyond its traditional allure of temples and ancient architecture and harness the unexplored potential of Tamil Nadu.
• It has a diverse tourist destination with offerings like heritage, coastal, and wildlife tourism.
• It aims to promote Tamil Nadu as a destination suitable for visits all year round
• It aims to increase Length of Stay of Tourists
• It aims to enable higher spending at destinations

• To effectively develop, manage and promote Tourism Destinations in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
• To improve quality and diversity of tourism products & services and service delivery, with special focus on niche tourism segments.
• To improve quality of infrastructure and amenities that visitors to Tamil Nadu encounter across their journey through the state.
• To stimulate confidence in visitors about safety, comfort, memorable experiences, convenience and secure journey through Tamil Nadu.
• To maintain and promote existing cultural and heritage tourism attractions.
• To value, conserve and enhance the natural bounty of Tamil Nadu, including the environmental diversity of hills, mangroves, forests, and beaches.
• To incubate and promote niche tourism segments.
• To raise awareness and understanding of Tamil-ness amongst tourists and Tamilians.

Goals

• Tamil Nadu shall be positioned as a place for memorable, authentic, and diverse tourism experiences.

Targets for the next five years

• Tourism to contribute to at least 12% of State GSDP annually.
• To reach 5 lakh followers on official social media handles of Department of Tourism, Tamil Nadu.
• Tourism and its supporting industries to employ 25 lakh people in Tamil Nadu.
• To reach 5 lakh downloads of TN Tourism App.
• To attract investment of INR 20,000 crore in tourism.
• To have virtual Tourist Information Centres across all Anchor Tourism Sites in Tamil Nadu.
• To facilitate skill development of 3 lakh workers in tourism and its supporting industries.
• To ensure that all Anchor Tourism sites in Tamil Nadu are technologically equipped for enhanced tourist safety and convenience.

Priority Tourism Segments

• Tamil Nadu is a land of captivating experiences.
• Tamil Nadu, an enchanting realm of endless narratives, proclaims itself as "The Land where Stories Never End".
• Through this Policy, the State aims to harness its dynamic cultural, natural, and heritage resources, creating an unforgettable showcase that offers visitors immersive experiences.
• The Tourism Department intends to concentrate efforts on the following Themes over the Policy period

• 1) Adventure Tourism
• 2) Recreation Tourism
• 3) Caravan Tourism
• 4) Rural and Plantation Tourism
• 5) Coastal Tourism
• 6) Cultural Tourism
• 7) Medical and Wellness Tourism
• 8) Religious Tourism
• 9) Eco Tourism
• 10) MICE Tourism
• 11) Heritage Tourism
• 12) Film Tourism

Promoting Investment in Tourism

• The Department envisages the private sector to play a key role in tourism development and promotion in Tamil Nadu, leveraging private sector capital and expertise.
• The synergy between the public sector and the private sector has been a major force in stimulating tourism competitiveness.
• In this context, the Department shall adopt investor-friendly measures to unleash the investment potential presented by Tamil Nadu tourism.
• Further, recognizing the importance of small and mid-sized units, the Department will provide support and incentives to MSME equivalent units in the tourism sector.

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