Chennai: The beautiful East Coast road will soon be in the center of attention, with the state government planning to develop it into a hub for water sports, sailing and other similar activities.
This step is part of an effort to maximize the coastline of the state scattered with 15 beaches including in Rameswaram, Tuticorin and Kanyakumari.
“The ECR corridor has a lot of potential.
All areas can be converted into hubs for water sports,” said Tamil Nadu Naduri tourism director on Thursday during the webinar with stakeholders in this sector.
The government also saw the feasibility study to develop the stretch of coastal chennai-rameswaram into a tourism area.
Sources say water sports facilities can be arranged near popular vacation and beaches.
There are also helicopter tourism plans in Tiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari and Rameswaram, tourism adventures in Ooty, Kodaikanal and to formulate new lines around ArupodeVeedu, Ramayana Trail, etc.
The aim is to create value-based tourism and the exact eco system for “young to stay longer, spend more,” Nanduri said.
Stress will be placed on increased infrastructure such as road access, access water, hotels and beds and breakfast including clean rooms, neat toilets and good staff and add to the general atmosphere in tourist attractions.
“If there are waterfalls, fences and clean water and garbage must be there,” he said.
TN tourism promotion policies are being contracted to overcome problems such as taxes and other assistance for stakeholders and the government will develop at least 20 places between 300 identified for the master plan.
Aarif A from the South India MICE Association (Sima) suggests that ‘hop-on hopoff’ tours use a double decker bus and vintage travel along the marina and Besant Nagar operated in public private partnerships.