CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu is gearing up to upgrade amenities and make tourist spots safe from Covid-19 to keep them ready for visitors, mostly domestic tourists, when the pandemic eases.
As TN will have to compete with other states to lure domestic tourists, the government will invest in ongoing projects at Mamallapuram and Rameswaram and will improve approach roads, drinking water, cloak rooms, hotel rooms, food and beverages facilities at major tourist spots.
The decision to go ahead with the ongoing work and to start repairs and upgrade of existing facilities for tourists was taken at a review meeting that was chaired by tourism minister M Mathivendan.
A project report is being prepared for upgrading Mamallapuram at a cost of ₹441crore under iconic site category and to develop Rameswaram and surrounding tourist sites at a cost of ₹40crore.
The government has also taken stock of the progress of preparing project reports to augment facilities at 295 selected popular tourist sites.
In addition, the government also assessed the facilities and quality of boats, water scooters and other rides available at boathouses.
Sources said that the government is also gathering inputs to frame new promotions to ensure that Tamil Nadu remains a top destination.
The move to have a postcovid recovery plan has triggered hope in travel and tour operators and the hospitality sector.
J Sethuraman of Travel XS said “The move to have a committee for a post-covid recovery plan is a welcome move.
It is good that the government has taken suggestions from the sector.” He said that “Improving tourist destinations and setting up of new initiatives like projection shows and others should be done in a modern way that will cater to the travellers who have seen and experienced many things abroad.
The government should deliver a global level experience to the visitors in terms of infrastructure, sightseeing.” There should be a joint effort and good coordination between the tourism department, forest department and HR and CE and other departments to offer tourism experience to the visitors.
“Temples, treks, local festivals, handicrafts, heritage and all should be brought together.
We already used to get more tourists than Kerala and Karnataka.
If this is leveraged we can take it to the next level,” he said.
Other states too have started work.
Kerala plans for 100% vaccination in tourist spots while Karnataka will focus on new areas like agri-tourism, helicopter tourism and others to remain competitive.