Date:14/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/14/stories/2008041454610600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Meeting decides to strengthen tourism infrastructure

Special Correspondent

Tourists officers requested to create a new tourism map

CHENNAI: Effective coordination between Tourists Officers and Executive Officers (EO) of Town Panchayats in the State for developing existing tourism centres and newly-emerging towns, and constituting a Town Specific Coordination Group (TSCG) were among the decisions taken at a meeting of tourism officials and EOs here on Friday.

It was decided to strengthen basic tourism infrastructure such as bus stand, water supply, parks and lighting facilities in tourist destinations in the jurisdiction of town panchayats. Tourists officers were requested to create a new tourism map incorporating all centres which would include lesser known places and newly-emerging ones.

The meeting was jointly convened by the Commissioners of Town Panchayats and Tourism, K. Gopal and M. Rajaram for developing a Tourism Town Panchayat Circuit in Tamil Nadu to showcase certain town panchayats as tourism destinations.

It was decided that while formulating development proposals to develop the destinations, tourists viable circuit comprising nearby tourist places as supporting attractions should be considered. Towns such as Gingee, Thirukoilur, Pichavaram, Mamallapuram, Tranquebar, Courtallam and Sriperumbudur should be developed as important centres.

Officers concerned should give top priority to evicting encroachments in all tourist centres.

The TSCG would identify gaps with a view to creating an enabling environment for tourists, according to a press note.