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Home , Tourism in Tamil Nadu

11.4 TOURISM

Tourism promotes international understanding. It generates innumerable benefits, both in social and economic spheres. Today tourism is widely acclaimed as an important global industry offering immense employment opportunities, both direct and indirect. It has emerged as an instrument for employment generation, poverty alleviation and sustainable human development. During 2001-2002, direct employment in the tourism sector was estimated to be 18.52 million. Tourism also promotes national integration and international understanding and gives support to local handicrafts and cultural activities. It earns the much-needed foreign exchange. Tourism in has grown substantially over the last three decades. However the Indian tourism was adversely affected after the 11th September 2001 events and the subsequent developments leading to Afghan War, Indo-Pak border tension and terrorist attacks in some places in India. Foreign tourist arrivals in India recorded a decline of 6.9 percent during the year 2002 as compared to the year 2001. India’s share in the world tourism market during the year 2001 was 0.37 percent. Foreign exchange earnings during the year 2002 was of Rs.14,195 crore. Tourist arrivals in India in 2003 were close to 3 million with earnings equivalent to over Rs.17,000 crore. Domestic tourism plays a vital role in achieving the national objectives of promoting social and cultural cohesion and national integration. Its contribution to generation of employment is very high. With the increase in income levels and emergence of a powerful middle class, the potential for domestic tourism has grown substantially during the last few years. During the year 2002 about 272 million domestic tourist visits were made. as a tourist destination has the heritage, culture and scenic beauty to make it all irrestible. Nature has bestowed Tamil Nadu with bountiful tourist spots. To supplement these natural resources, there are mammoth temples, monuments etc. which serve as great tourist attractions. Tamil Nadu is a fascinating State, which is virtually flooded with tourists all round the year. Here, technology co- exists with tradition and it is a place where ancient architecture & contemporary vitality blend harmoniously. The many splendoured state that Tamil Nadu is has been described in the following paragraphs: The culturally and naturally abundant State is captivating, bewitching, enchanting, and magical. It is like a feast for the tired eyes, mind, body and soul. It has it all: Numerous temples depicting the timeless magic of an age gone by, the magnificent sea, the hills that whisper to the clouds, the water falls that are like a blessing and an experience that is best when it is felt. [from Enchanting Tamil Nadu - Experience Yourself (2003)] “All the Wealth that is there in the World lies in Tamil Nadu” - Bharathiyar Tamil Nadu presents a multitude of choice to tourists - hill stations, historical, religious, pilgrims centre cultural and archaeological centres, beautiful beaches, seaside resorts and wonderful wildlife sanctuaries. The tourist wealth of the State can be broadly classified as follows: a) Hill Resorts -Udhagamandalam, , , etc. which offers the tourists a beautiful mix of mountain ranges and plains, exotic plants and shrubs, pastoral laid scape, Grassy hillocks etc. b) Beach Resorts - Marina /Elliots beaches in and other sugar-white, sun- drenched bays and beaches all along the 1000 km. long spectacular coastline. 696 11.4 Tourism c) Waterfalls- Hogenakkal, Courtllam etc. which are awesome spectacle of colossal cascade of water d) Zoological Parks -Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai and others e) Botanical/Horticulture Gardens - at Uthagamandalam, etc. they are immaculately maintained to provide a visual feast f) Wildlife Sanctuaries- Mudanthurai, Kalakkadu etc g) Historical monuments / Heritage sites- , Gangai Konda Cholapuram etc. where the architecture is unique and inspiring h) Memorials- Built by like Kattabomman Memorial Fort, Poompuhar Tourist Complex etc. i) Religious Centres - temples, churches, mosques etc. at , Kancheepuram, , Trichy, Rameswaram, , etc. in which every inch of the surface is exquisitely caved, delicately and distinctly but at the same time integrally linked with each other. The extravagantly sculpted carving display the ingenuity and artistic skill of the sculptors. Fairs and Festivals like Pongal, Chithirai Vizha, Dance Festival etc. at Mamallapuram also have tourist attraction. There is considerable potential in: Leisure Tourism- Golf / Snooker clubs, Theme Parks, Trout fishing at Kodaikanal, Boating etc. Adventure Tourism- Trekking, Hang gliding, Angling, Boating, Water surfing

IX Five Year Plan Review For the IX Plan period a sum of Rs.3,000 lakhs was provided for Tourism sector. Taking into account the revised estimate for the year 2001-02 of Rs.1018.74 lakhs, the total expenditure during the IX Plan period is estimated to be Rs.2214.67 lakhs which is 73.8% of the total outlay. The shortfall in expenditure is partly due to shifting of certain schemes to Non-Plan side. Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-07) Vision / Goals • To make Tamil Nadu the numero uno State in India in respect of Tourism sector and place it on the map of International Tourism by marketing it as an important destination with heritage sites • Double the tourist arrivals and revenue to the Government by the end of the X Five Year Plan period • To address rampart unemployment problem through tourism • To make tourism the major economic activity in the coming years Outlays and Objectives For the Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-07), an outlay of Rs.102 crores has been provided for the development of Tourism in the State The main objectives could be stated as follows : • To increase the Tourist inflow to Tamil Nadu to 10-12% per annum (from the present level of 7-9%). • To stretch the period of stay of domestic tourists in Tamil Nadu from 7-9 to 10-12 days and in respect of foreign tourists from 4-7 days to 6-8 days 11.4 Tourism 697

• To provide basic amenities and undertake major improvements to the existing infrastructure facilities at tourist spots - something more than just a facelift. The facilities should conform to international standards.

To achieve the above objectives, the 7 point action plan for development of Tourism in Tamil Nadu as announced by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu while inaugurating the 64th SKAL World Congress at Chennai on 20.10.2003 is as follows: • Unlocking the hidden treasures of Tamil Nadu • Positioning Chennai and as destinations for international conventions and exhibitions • Twinning of destinations • Improving accessibility and upgrading the transport network • Filling up infrastructure gaps in major tourist destinations • Aggressive and focused marketing • Facilitate Charter Flights and cruise tourism Though Tamil Nadu has everything – hill stations, beaches, places of archaeological importance, pilgrimage centres, what it lacks at places is infrastructure. For example, when a ship docks at Tuticorin, there is no local coach available for the tourists, they have to be sent from outside, and this costs one more time and money. Similarly although is a very popular destination, there are no star or beachfront hotels. Tourists prefer to stay in Triuvandrum and drive to Kanyakumari for the day. Rameswaram too suffers due to the same problem despite its steady stream of devotees visiting the temples. Hospitality industry – quality hotels especially – have an important part to play, and should be wooed to set up shop in these places. To sustain the growth of tourist arrivals, the quality of experience is very important (even more than the price and range of packaged tours). The experience chain for a tourist is a series of interactions beginning from the embassy / consulate giving Indian visas and passing through the airlines, immigration channels, customs clearances, the airport, eating places, tourist places, hotels, shops, streets etc., till departure. Many countries have realized the value of close monitoring of tourist profiles, their psychology, their expectations, their spending habits, their requirements and their feedback through painstaking research. They have been able to identify what they seek, how they get satisfied and if they come back at all. This effort is backed by training at several levels and along the chain to inculcate service-oriented behaviour and to render quality service. Thus, the Island of Malaysia attracts three times more tourist traffic than continental India. In the last two years, a professional marketing programme has been taken up to put the State on its way to becoming a tourism bonanza. The sustained campaigns included promotion world over in the print media, participation in major tourism fairs in London, Berlin and Kaula Lumpur, and sustained work with the travel industry. All these have combined to give a greater visibility to Tamil Nadu in the international tourism sector. The State has succeeded in reaching out to people in several countries. The "turning point" was the SKAL World Congress hosted in Chennai in 2003 . Nearly 600 delegates from international markets participated in the meet, resulting in increasing number of trade enquiries. As a result of the sustained campaign over the last one year, the brand image of "Enchanting Tamil Nadu" has become quite popular not only in the domestic market but also among the International travel trade. A leading European 698 11.4 Tourism international travel magazine. "Selling Long Haul" in its March 2004 issue described Tamil Nadu as India's emerging destination for tourism. It also subsequently wrote that 'Tamil Nadu is OK for UK'. There has been a steady increase of tourist traffic to the State. During the year 1997, 189.3 lakhs domestic and 6.4 lakhs foreign tourists visited Tamil Nadu. It rose to 229.8 lakhs and 7.9 lakhs respectively during 2000. During the year 2002 the corresponding figures for domestic and foreign tourists is 246.61 lakhs and 8.04 lakhs. In 2003, 270.67 lakh domestic tourists and 9.02 lakhs foreign tourists visited the State. Tamil Nadu stands 3rd in domestic tourist and 4th in foreign tourist arrivals. About 30% of the foreign tourists who come to India also visit Tamil Nadu. The year-wise position of tourist arrivals in Tamil Nadu may be seen in the table below : (In lakhs) Year Domestic Foreign Total 1998 204.13 6.36 210.50 1999 211.37 7.22 218.60 2000 229.82 7.86 237.68 2001 238.12 7.74 245.86 2002 246.62 8.05 254.66 2003 270.67 9.02 279.69 January 2004 24.03 0.98 25.01 February 2004 22.95 0.85 23.80 March 2004 21.64 0.94 22.58

Tourist Arrivals (Centre - wise) in Tamil Nadu for the year 2003

Sl. No Destination Domestic Foreign Total 1 Chennai 4972191 361422 5333613 2 Elagiri 32446 5145 37591 3 Mamallapuram 859768 79224 938992 4 Kancheepuram 855247 41648 896895 5 Tiruttani 662511 8084 670595 6 241673 7884 249557 7 Pitchavaram 3712 559 4271 8 Idhagamandalam 1995172 73792 2068964 9 Coonoor 147848 2724 150572 10 Mudumalali 25923 4220 30143 11 Thanjavur 747277 28230 775507 12 Velankanni 333645 7372 341017 13 Nagoor 240787 1139 241926 14 Poompuhar 11094 693 11787 15 Madurai 2622512 66959 2689471 16 Kodaikanal 1842995 56774 1899769 17 1639060 4985 1644045 18 Rameswaram 1721377 5766 1727143 19 423552 2324 425876 20 Panchalakurichi 4082 — 4082 21 Kanniyakumari 1576998 55003 1632001 22 Tiruchirapalli 1341149 53733 1394882 23 Salem 580708 1160 581868 24 Yercaud 3035297 1519 306816 11.4 Tourism 699

25 Hogenekkal 53982 634 54616 26 Thiruchendur 1487784 6878 1494662 27 Coimbatore 1058243 13902 1072145 28 Kumbakonam 476136 4782 480198 29 795833 4949 800782 Grand Total 27059002 901504 27960506

Tamil Nadu Tourist Development Corporation (TTDC) TTDC was incorporated in 1991 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 Govt. bungalows and operated 2 coaches. It has made rapid strides since then and today it owns a chain of hotels 54 in and a fleet 54 coaches. TTDC is providing the following facilities for the benefit of the tourists covering all the major tourists destinations in the State: • Hotels • Youth Hostels • Restaurants • Boat Houses • Telescope Houses • Lake Park • Petrol Bunk TTDC is operating Youth Hostels, wherein dormitory accommodation is provided to the budget tourists. This has helped the tourists to avail themselves of low cost accommodation even during the peak season in , Kodoaikanal and Yercaud. Privatisation of TTDC Hotels TTDC has franchised 11 Hotels and 3 Restaurants as part of a long term plan to franchise totally 30 hotels and 7 restaurants in addition to the two Hotels, which have already been given on long term lease. Transport Division TTDC operates more than 30 types of package tours ranging from half a day to 14 days. The tour cover all the Southern States and also States like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa. Apart from this TTDC also operates special package tours catering to the specific demands of the tourists from Malaysia, , Mauritius and South Africa. Rail cum Road Tour TTDC had launched the Rail cum Road Tours during September 2002. TTDC has entered into tie up arrangements with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited to provide confirmed rail tickets for the tourists visiting the State from various places. The Rail cum Road Package tours are now being operated from , Delhi, Kolkatta, Lucknow and Ahmedabad. The tourists are given a warm reception at the Chennai Central Railway Station and then they are taken on a 10 day tour of Tamil Nadu through the Corporation's Hi tech coaches. After completion of the tour, the tourists are accorded a warm send off at the Chennai Central Railway Station. These value added Package tours have proved to be a boon to the tourists visiting Tamil Nadu especially senior citizens who are visiting the State for the first time. It has been planned to extend the rail cum road tours by linking Hyderabad and Jaipur shortly. 700 11.4 Tourism

Fair Division The Fair Division achieved an all time high operating profit of Rs.82.00 lakhs 2003-04. This was made possible by economising the expenditure. Several Exhibitions like Taj Expo, ICE Exhibition, etc. were conducted during the non fair period. This has fetched substantial revenue to TTDC. Steps are being taken to publicise the Island Grounds among leading exhibitors to facilitate conduct of regular private exhibitions at the Island Grounds. The operating efficiency of the TTDC has increased due to privatisation of its Hotels and Restaurants, permission to retire under VRS for 295 of its employees, provision of solar water heater in TTDC hotels, tie up arrangement with National Airport Authority for providing accommodation to its employees at Kodaikanal Hotel, organising Special Package Tours to employees of Corporate and Private bodies etc. Apart from this several other measures are also on the anvil aimed at improving the financial performance. The TTDC has achieved a turnover of Rs. 3953.90 lakhs during the year 2003-04 compared to the turnover of Rs.3527.66 lakhs during the year 2002-03, representing an increase of 12% over the previous year. The TTDC is also anticipating an all time net profit of Rs.245.60 lakhs for the year 2003-04 compared to the net profit of Rs.50.73 lakhs during the year 2002-03 representing a quantum high of 384% in net profit over the previous year. Annual Plan 2002-03 During the successive plans, schemes were taken up to tap the tourism potential in the State by provision of facilities at the tourists spots like transport, accommodation, recreation facilities, conduct of fairs and festivals, providing tourist guidance and by information and publicity etc. A sum of Rs.179.07 lakhs was spent during 2002-03 under the State Plan. Annual Plan 2003-04 For Annual Plan 2003-04, a sum of Rs.1742.92 lakhs was provided for taking up various schemes for the promotion and development of tourism in the State. This was an all time high allocation in the State Budget for tourism. The expenditure anticipated is Rs.1787.32 lakhs. Schemes supported by Government of India Details of sanctions (Rupees in lakhs) 2000-2001 126.43 2001-2002 360.55 2002-2003 766.63 2003-2004 2180.21

For the year 2003--04, Government of India conveyed sanction for a sum of Rs.2180.21 lakhs for 18 schemes and released a sum of Rs.1372.84 lakhs as first instalment to commence the work. In addition, Government of India has released a sum of Rs.91.46 lakhs being second / final instalment for 17 ongoing / completed schemes.

11.4 Tourism 701

Details of new projects sanctioned by Government of India during 2003-04 (Rupees in lakhs) Amount Amount S.No. Name of the Projects sanctioned released 1. a) Amount released to State Govt. by GOI Development of Kazhugumalai under Rural Tourism 48.68 14.60 Destination Project 2. Dance Festival at Mamallpuram 15.00 12.00 3. Flood lighting of Sri Iravatheeswarar Temple at 24.05 21.64 4. Development of chettinadu under Rural Tourism 50.00 40.00 Destination project 5. Construction of Yatri Niwas at Tiruvannamalai 49.06 15.00 (revised proposal of (1994 - 95) 6. Development of Theerthamalai under Rural Tourism 50.00 40.00 Destination project 7. Development of Vivekananda Travel Circuit at 168.24 54.47 Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram etc. 8. Construction of Eco-Tourism Bird Centre at 43.00 34.00 Rameswaram 9. Upgradation of Webside of TTDC through Payment 3.00 2.70 gateway system 10. Capacity Building for service providers (Training to 7.30 7.30 Taxi Drivers/Receptionist etc.) 458.33 241.71 b) Amount released directly to CPWD by GOI 259.40 259.40 11. Development of infrastructure in Kancheepuram 12. Flood lighting of Vivekananda Rock Memorial at 32.13 32.13 Kanniyakumari 291.53 291.53 c) Amount released directly to ITDC by GOI

13. Mounting of Sound and Light show at Vive-kananda 225.00 202. 00 Rock Memorial at Kanniyakumari 14 Construction of Five tourist cottages at Vivekanada Kendtra, strengthening of jetty at Vivekananda Rock 255.35 76.60 Memorial at Kanniyakumari 15 Development of Muttom and Thekkurichi Beach 150.00 45.00 Fronts 630.35 323.60 d) Amount released directly to TTDC by GOI

16 Installation of Ropeway at Ooty (Total Project cost 397.00 238.00 Rs.1587.00 lakhs) 17 Installation of Ropeway at Kodaikanal (Total Project 363.00 238.00 cost Rs.1452.00 lakhs) 18 Construction of Tourism Village in commemoration with Chawdhary Charan Singh at Mamallapuram 40.00 40.00 (Sanctioned by Department of Culture, New Delhi) 800 516 Grand Total 2180.21 1372.84

702 11.4 Tourism

Amount released by GOI during 2003-04 for ongoing/completed schemes (Projects sanctioned prior to 2003-04) (Rs. in lakhs) Sl.No. Name of the scheme Amount Instalment 1 Natures trail at Yercaud 1.00 Second Instl. 2 Development of Programme Centre at 6.38 Final instl. Melmaruvathur 3 Tourist Complex at Salem 3.21 Final instl. 4 Improvement of environs around Five Rathas and 7.50 Second Instl. at Mamallapuram 5 High Mast Light at Thanjavur 1.80 Final Instl. 6. High Mat Light at Tirukazhukundram 1.50 Final Instl. 7 Addl.rooms in the ESF building at Tiruthani 4.00 Final Instl. 8 Tourist Reception Centre at Kanyakumrai 10.50 Second Instl. 9 High Mast Light at 1.27 Final Instl 10 Parking Lot at Kodaikanal 3.00 Second Instl. 11 Development of Puliyancholai 8.73 Second Instl 12 Infrastructural facilities at National pilgrim centre 5.70 Final instl at Rameswaram 13 Providing drinking water facilities at 2.00 Final Instl. Kanniyakumari 14 Nature Trails at Elagiri 0.40 Final instl. 15 Improvement of environs around Big Temple. 7.50 Second Instl. Thanjavur 16 Promotion of Eco-Tourism at Pichavaram 2.50 Final instl 17 Infrastructural facilities at kailasanathar Temple , 20.00 Second Instl. Kancheepuram 18 Promotion of Village Tourism at Suthamalai 4.47 Second Instl. Total 91.46

Annual Plan 2004-05 A sum of Rs.1915.19 lakhs has been proposed for the Annual Plan 2004-05 for promotion and development of Tourism in the State. The details of various ongoing and new schemes proposed for implementation are discussed in the ensuing paragraphs. Direction and Administration (i) Promotion & Publicity of Tourism (Outlay Rs.1150.04 lakhs) For promotion of tourism, publicity through mass, print and electronic media is absolutely essential. Effective publicity and creating a brand image is vital for attracting tourists. The publicity materials like brochures, posters, maps have to be edited and re-designed to match to the international standards. They are being distributed through the Tourist Information Centres, Government of India Tourist offices and abroad. The tourism potential of Tamil Nadu is being popularised in seven States outside Tamil Nadu. Aggressive publicity campaign will also be conducted in major cities of India and in potential overseas markets. A sum of Rs.1150.04 lakhs is proposed for promotion and publicity of tourism. 11.4 Tourism 703

(ii) Strengthening of facilities in Tourist Offices and Tourism Information Centres (Outlay Rs.20.01 lakh) It is proposed to provide facilities and renovation work for giving facelift to the Tourist offices and Tourism Information Centres. A sum of Rs.20.00 lakhs is provided for refurbishment of Tourist office and Tourist Information Centres for which details are given separately under new schemes (Sl.No.1) (iii) Fairs and Festivals For the promotion of Tourism Industry, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited is organising the All India Tourists and Trade Fair at Chennai and Fairs in other districts. Central and State Government Departments and undertakings participate in the fair. The following fairs and festivals are conducted by the department : • Tea and Tourism festival - Coonoor • Pongal festival - All districts • Dance festival - Mamallapuram • Natyanjali festival - Chidambaram • Chitrai festival - Madurai • Summer festival - Ooty, Kodaikkanal and other hill stations • Mango festival - Krishnagiri • Saral festival - Courtalam etc. Besides this, the Department also participates in the district level fairs organised by other Departments every year. Since this activity has been transferred to non-plan side, no outlay is proposed under Plan for 2004-05. However, funds will be provided as and when schemes are approved. Tourist Centres (iv) State Government Contribution for centrally assisted Tourism promotion scheme (Outlay Rs.0.01 lakh) The Government of Tamil Nadu is extending financial support for tourism promotion activities like provision of infrastructure facilities, basic amenities etc. Funds will be provided when the scheme is approved. (v) Improvement at Poompuhar It is the policy of the Government to construct tourist complex, tourist Information centres etc. for the convenience and comfort of the visiting tourists at all places of tourist importance where there are more visiting tourists. Poompuhar is one such tourist place. Necessary provisions will be made based on approvals. (vi) Provision of infrastructure facilities for Notifying Tourism Centre as Litter Free Zone (Outlay Rs.0.01 lakh) A token sum of Rs.0.01 lakh is earmarked for providing infrastructure facilities in tourism centres for notifying them as Litter Free Zone with the objective of attracting more number of tourists both foreign and domestic. (vii) Provision of Basic Amenities (Outlay Rs.0.01 lakhs) For development of tourist circuits by providing basic amenities, a sum of Rs.0.01 lakh has been provided for 2004-05 under new schemes. (viii) Improvement of basic facilities in Tourist Centres (Outlay Rs.590.00 lakhs) Under this scheme it is proposed to provide improvement of basic facilities available in the various tourist centres were large number of foreign tourists visit. A sum of Rs.60.00 lakhs has been provided for development of Heritage 704 11.4 Tourism

Circuit (Sl.No.2) and for development of infrastructure facilities at Pulicat (Sl.No.3) under new scheme for which details are given separately. (ix) Government of India Assistance Tourism Scheme (Outlay Rs.0.02 lakh) Necessary provision will be made as and when the schemes are approved by the Government of India. (x) Expansion and up gradation of Existing tourist facilities (Outlay Rs.0.01 lakh) The Government is providing more facilities at all tourist places for the convenient and comfortable stay of the tourists at the tourist centres. In order to provide more facilities and to upgrade the quality of the facilities provided at the tourist centres, necessary funds will be provided as and when the proposals are approved. Other Expenditure (xi) Food Craft Institute (Outlay Rs.5.00 lakhs) Food Craft Institute, Thuvakkudy, Trichy is a Training Institute jointly sponsored by Government of India and State Government initially. Now, the Government of Tamil Nadu is entirely supporting this Institute. The Institute offers a full time one-year certificate course in the following disciplines: 1. Hotel Reception and Book Keeping, 2. Restaurant and counter service, 3. Bakery and confectionery, 4. Cookery and 5. House Keeping. There are also part-time courses in Bakery, Cookery, and House Keeping for housewives for 2 months. Orientation programme on food preparation, preservation and service as short duration course is also offered. The Institute has been upgraded on the pattern of self financing institutions to offer 3 years diploma course from the year 1994-95. Now 352 students are undergoing various courses offered by the Institute. A sum of Rs.11 lakhs is proposed for 2004-05 as grants-in aid to the Institute. (xii) Capital and Generator Subsidy for Hotel Project (Outlay Rs.0.01 lakh) Capital subsidy is provided for new tourism projects at 10% of total investment excluding cost of land, subject to a maximum of Rs.10 lakhs per project. For improving the facilities in the hotels, the subsidy is being sanctioned to the hoteliers, after verifying whether the conditions stipulated thereon are fulfilled. Besides this a capital subsidy at the rate of 15% for the purchase of generator for the newly established tourism project with a separate ceiling of Rs.5.00 lakhs is also being granted. (xiii) Provision of Street lights in the East Coast Road (ECR) (Outlay Rs.0.01 lakh) The ECR provides connectivity from Chennai to Kannyakumari. It is proposed to provide vapour lamps in high rise mast upto Mamallapuram during 2004-05. (xiv) Provision of Basic amenities in Tourists Centres (Outlay Rs.0.01 lakh) Tamil Nadu is endowed by nature with several tourist attractions like historical monuments, spectacular coast line with sun drenched beaches, beautiful temples, hill resorts with cascading water falls, abundant wild life, fairs and festivals reflecting cultural and historical heritage of the Tamilians. These attractions make Tamil Nadu a fascinating and year round destination and hence is flooded by tourists from across the globe. The Tourist Department's task is two fold -one to attract as many tourists as possible to Tamil Nadu and the other to provide excellent basic facilities and amenities for travel, stay and food to the visiting tourists. With these objectives the department has proposed to provide basic amenities in the existing tourist 11.4 Tourism 705 centres in Tamil Nadu. As against a sum of Rs.450.01 lakhs proposed for the above scheme for the year 2003-04 as the State's share, the expenditure anticipated is around Rs.404.64 lakhs. However for the year 2004-05 a token sum is provided pending approval of schemes by GOI. (xv) Construction of Tourist Reception Centres (Outlay Rs.0.01 lakh) Under Government of India assisted tourism schemes construction of Tourist Reception Centres are taken up. Pending finalisation of the schemes, a token outlay is provided for 2004-05. (xvi) Provision for Government of India Assisted Tourism schemes (Outlay Rs.0.01 lakh) The Government of India extends financial assistance for taking up tourism promotion activities like provision of infrastructure facilities and basic amenities based on the project proposal selected by the Department of Tourism to Government of India under the Government of India assisted tourism schemes. The projects will be cleared based on certain norms approved by the Government of India. The State Government will provide and release the matching share after finalisation of plan schemes and programmes by the Government of India. (xvii) Construction of Forest Lodge (Outlay Rs.0.01 lakh) In order to promote jungle tourism, the tourist department is constructing Forest Lodges at all tourist places where forests form the tourist attraction. For construction of forest lodges necessary funds will be provided as and when the schemes are approved. (xviii) Preparation of Master Plan for Tourist Destination / Circuits(Outlay Rs.0.02 lakh) For preparation of Master plans for Tourist Destination / Circuits a sum of Rs.0.02 lakh has been provided for 2004-05 pending approval of schemes by GOI. (xix) Schemes under Hill Area Development Programme (Outlay Rs.150.00 lakhs) For promotion of Tourism and allied activities in , various schemes are being implemented under HADP. During the past construction of additional boat house in , formation of artificial fountains in Ooty lake, provision of cement concrete foot paths, hand rails and seating arrangements at Boat House, improvement and promotion of additional facilities at places of tourists attraction like Kodanad View Point, Dolphines Nose, Lambs rock, Burliar, View point, Lady Cannings seat etc. were taken up. Similar schemes will be taken up and implemented during the current year 2004-05 also at a cost of Rs.150.00 lakhs under capital account. New Schemes Commissioner of Tourism (i)Refurbishment of Tourist Offices and Tourist Information Centre (Outlay Rs.20.00 lakhs) The Tourist offices and Tourist Information Centres located outside the State of Tamil Nadu play a vital role in promoting tourism in Tamil Nadu by disseminating information to the local domestic and foreign tourists. Hence it is proposed to undertake refurbishment work and renovation of tourist information offices located outside Tamil Nadu at a cost of Rs.20.00 lakhs during 2004-05. 706 11.4 Tourism

(ii) Development of Chettinadu Heritage Circuit (Outlay Rs.60.00 lakhs) It is proposed to develop Chettinadu Heritage Circuit at a cost of Rs.3.83 crores under GOI assistance to complete the development of the following important pilgrim and tourism centres - Kundrakudi, Pillaiyarpatti, Kalaiyarkoil and Edaikattur by providing basic amenities life by drinking water, toilets etc. During 2003-04 a sum of Rs.50.00 lakhs was provided for the development of the tourist circuit. A sum of Rs.60.00 lakhs is now provided for development of the above circuit. (iii) Development of Pulicat (Outlay Rs.30.00 lakhs) Pulicat lake is India's second largest brackish water lagoon. It is located 40 km north of Chennai. Pulicat lake is a breeding ground for rare birds. It has about 16 island villages adjoining the lake. The lake offers a good potential for eco-tourism in Tamil Nadu. One of the current strategies of tourism department is to develop the lesser known tourist spots. In view of this the Govt. is keen on promoting it by providing basic tourist amenities and refurbishment of the monuments of the Duch era at Pulicat. A sum of Rs.30.00 lakhs is provided under Part II for provision of basic amenities like drinking water, toilet, rest shed, restaurant and illumination during 2004-05. (IV) Provision of Amusement Park, Landscaping and Refurbishing at Poompuhar Tourist complex (Outlay Rs.30.00 lakhs) Poompuhar Tourist Complex is one among the two tourist centres which attracts a lot of tourists. This Complex needs refurbishment and renovation. It is proposed to landscape the complex by engaging professional horticulturist and set up an amusement park and refurbish the monuments and cottages at a cost Rs.30.00 lakhs during 2004-05 (The outlay for this scheme is shown under Information and Publicity sector) Plan Outlay 2004-05 Totally a sum of Rs.1915.19 lakhs is provided for all these schemes under tourism for the year 2004-05. The details of sub-sector outlays are furnished below. (Rupees in lakhs) Sl.No. Sub – Sector Outlay for 2004-05 1. Direction and Administration 1170.05 2. Tourists Centres 590.06 3. Other Expenditure 5.08 4. Hill Area Development Programme 150.00 Total - Tourism 1915.19