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Tamil Nadu's new tourism strategy is aimed to position the state as an international tourist destination in Asia and Pacific regions by transforming it into a "tourism hub", Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said on Monday.
Inaugurating the 64th SKAL World Congress, stated to be the world's largest tourism meet, Jayalalithaa said the seven-point action plan under the new strategy included 'unlocking the hidden treasures' of the state and positioning Chennai and Coimbatore as destinations for international conventions and fairs.
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The action plan also envisaged improving international accessibility and upgrading the transport network, filling up infrastructure gaps, aggressive and focussed marketing, facilitating charter flights and cruise tourism.
She said, "We now propose to offer experiences to tourists by showcasing some of the equally beautiful but lesser known attractions like the rich heritage of Chettinadu, mangroves, pristine and quiet beaches."
Jayalalithaa said the state government proposed to work closely with the tourism industry in other countries and offer twin country destinations to the visitors from the West and the East.
The government would also try to facilitate more international flight connections to Chennai, especially from Europe and the US.
She said the road network within Tamil Nadu was also getting a major facelift with government investment of $458 million.
Tamil Nadu had already started a series of micro level tourism infrastructure projects at a cost of Rs 9 crore (Rs 90 million) at places like Mamallapuram and the temple town of Madurai.
"Added to these are the circuit development plans that include spiritual tourism, eco tourism, adventure tourism and rural tourism," she said.
She said discussions were also progressing with the port authorities to bring in cruise vessels to Tuticorin and Chennai, adding that the government also intended to bring in chartered flights and invite more travel writers and key players in the field of tourism to visit the state.