Date:11/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/11/stories/2009011150350200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Fair unfolds countless travel avenues

Staff Reporter

— Photo: R. Ragu

Varied fare: A section of the stalls at the Travel and Tourism Fair that got under way in Chennai on Friday.

CHENNAI: Eco-tourism, nature treks, spiritual retreats and rejuvenating spas seem to be catchwords for agencies showcasing their services and products targeted at tourists at the 67th Travel and Tourism Fair that opened in the city on Friday.

From meditation at the Phey monastery in Leh to crocodile safari on the Rapti River, tourists are spoilt for choices that come with enticing discounts. The three-day expo, at the Rajah Muthiah and Rani Meyyammai Halls in Egmore, packs over a hundred exhibitors, including a few from abroad. On offer are tailor-made tour packages to suit individual needs and interests. While holiday-makers can pick from the array of tour packages at attractive bargains, business travellers could choose some of the seasonal offers provided by plush hotels across the country.

Speaking at the inauguration, Raji Agarwal, Executive Director (Finance) of Fairfest Media, organisers of the exhibition, said leisure tourism was gaining importance as tourist operators were increasingly focussing on customised packages. Glossy boards of Nepal Tourism Board, flaunting snow-capped mountains, pristine nature and UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites, provide details on the not-to-be-missed places and the tariff. Resorts and spas offer attractive discounts on therapeutic and refreshing massages in hill stations.

Tour operators from Jammu and Kashmir rule the exhibition, with the promotional details on the State running into several stalls. The exhibition is open for public from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. till Sunday.