Date:19/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/19/stories/2008121951990400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

25% increase in tourist arrival

T. Ramakrishnan

The growth rate recorded by the sector in 2007 was 29 per cent
Figures of domestic and foreign tourist arrival were higher than during the previous year

CHENNAI: The impact of economic meltdown has not yet reflected on the tourism sector with the State recording a 25 per cent increase in tourist arrival from January to November compared to the corresponding period in 2007, Tourism Commissioner M. Rajaram has said.

Up to November, the number of tourists – domestic and international – was around 58 million. Domestic tourists accounted for about 56 million. The growth rate recorded by the sector in 2007 was 29 per cent while it was 21 per cent in 2006.

Going by the data for 2008, the figures of domestic and foreign tourist arrivals were higher than during the previous year. This November, less foreign tourists visited the State than in the same month last year. Against 1.4 lakh foreign tourists in November 2007, the number this time was 1.38 lakh.

Dr. Rajaram said a number of measures taken by the State government had contributed to sustaining the high growth rate. Infrastructure improvement at various tourist destinations, promotion of less-known centres of tourism, presence of five world heritage sites and several historic temples were among factors responsible for the growth.

Steps were being taken to focus on rural tourism and nine sites had been identified for development, he said.

Another senior official in the Tourism Department said quality and less-cost healthcare available in the State and Tamil nadu becoming a centre of information technology in recent years also contributed to the increase in the tourists’ arrival over the years.