Tamil Nadu – The Safest Destination for Tourists and Government to Introduce Regulations for Tourism Investments, Says Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister R. Rajendran
The highly anticipated Tamil Nadu Travel Mart (TNTM) 2025 concluded successfully, at the Chennai Trade Centre with a grand inauguration ceremony, Travel Exhibition, B2B meet, and Familiraisatuion trip for the hosted bueyrs and media professionals.
Inaugurating the event, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Tourism, Sugar, Sugarcane Excise, and Sugarcane Development, R. Rajendran, emphasized the state’s commitment to providing a safe and enriching experience for visitors. He stated that Tamil Nadu remains the safest state in India for tourists, attributing this to the government’s continuous efforts in implementing security measures and infrastructure development. Highlighting the state’s growing popularity, he revealed that foreign tourist arrivals had surpassed 11.62 lakh in 2024.
The inaugural event drew the participation of distinguished dignitaries, tourism stakeholders, and industry professionals. The three-day event, co-located with TTF Chennai, started on March 21, 2025, and concluded on March 23, 2025, has attracted over 250 exhibitors from across 12 Indian states from Kerala to Uttarakhand and four international destinations, including Nepal (Partner Country), Myanmar, Brunei, and South Korea. With more than 50 national and international hosted buyers and an expected footfall of 4,000 to 5,000 travel trade visitors, the event aims to bolster Tamil Nadu’s standing as a premier tourism destination.
Dr K. Manivasan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Endowments Department welcomed the gathering, while Ms Shilpa Prabhakar Satish, IAS, Commissioner, Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu proposed a vote of thanks.
Tamil Nadu’s Tourism Policy and Investment Growth
Tamil Nadu’s Tourism Minister Mr. Rajendran underscored the significance of the Tamil Nadu State Tourism Policy, which was introduced in 2023. He explained that this comprehensive policy framework has facilitated increased investments in the tourism sector while simultaneously generating employment opportunities across various regions of the state. According to him, private sector participation in tourism development has also been streamlined, leading to enhanced infrastructure and service offerings.
Expressing optimism about the sector’s financial performance, the minister noted that, for the first time, Tamil Nadu’s tourism sector had recorded a profit of Rs 34 crore in 2024. He credited this success to the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister and the proactive measures undertaken to promote the state’s diverse tourism potential.
The Role of Tamil Nadu Travel Mart in Enhancing Tourism
During the inauguration, Dr K. Manivasan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Endowments Department, highlighted the collaborative efforts behind TNTM 2025. He acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, tourism boards from multiple states, Fairfest Media, exhibitors, travel agents, and industry leaders. He stressed that the event serves as a vital platform to showcase Tamil Nadu’s strengths in domestic and international tourism.
Dr Manivasan also discussed Tamil Nadu’s position in the global tourism landscape, stating that although India has yet to feature among the top five international tourist destinations, there is immense potential to bridge this gap. He cited France and Turkey as leading global tourism destinations and asserted that Tamil Nadu, with its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, can compete on the international stage.
Looking ahead, he revealed an ambitious goal of increasing tourism’s contribution to Tamil Nadu’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) from the current 8% to 15% by 2030. He encouraged stakeholders to explore untapped segments such as ecotourism and coastal tourism, alongside the state’s renowned religious and heritage attractions.
Encouraging Sustainable Tourism and Skill Development
Delivering the Guest of Honour address, Mr. D. Venkatesan, Regional Director (South), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, lauded Tamil Nadu’s unique and diverse tourism offerings. He pointed out that the state boasts an extensive coastline, dense forests, ancient temples, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a top choice for both domestic and international visitors.
Mr. Venkatesan also emphasized the importance of intangible heritage preservation, urging stakeholders to promote Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products such as traditional arts and crafts. He cited the example of Poompuhar’s representation at the event, which showcases Tamil Nadu’s unique cultural legacy.
Additionally, he highlighted the Ministry of Tourism’s ongoing efforts to enhance the visitor experience through capacity-building initiatives. He elaborated on training programs being conducted under the Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi schemes, which focus on skill development and direct engagement with tourists. Training sessions have already commenced in Mahabalipuram and Thanjavur, with plans to expand to Tiruvannamalai and other key locations.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Roadmap
Ms Shilpa Prabhakar Satish IAS, Commissioner, Commissionerate of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, shed light on the swift and coordinated efforts that led to the successful execution of TNTM 2025. She expressed gratitude to the Tourism Minister and the Chief Secretary for their unwavering support in making the event a reality.
She disclosed that TNTM 2025 was organized on short notice to coincide with the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) in Chennai, seizing an opportunity to amplify Tamil Nadu’s tourism potential on a national and international scale.
Outlining the broader vision for Tamil Nadu’s tourism sector, Ms Shilpa emphasized the state’s commitment to long-term growth through policy execution and legislative support. She referenced the recent budget announcement regarding the introduction of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Facilitation Act, which aims to enhance tourism governance and streamline investments.
Elevating Tamil Nadu’s Tourism to New Heights
As TNTM 2025 unfolds, it stands as a testament to Tamil Nadu’s commitment to becoming a global tourism powerhouse. With strong institutional backing, diverse tourism products, and a collaborative approach involving government and private stakeholders, the state is poised to achieve remarkable growth in the sector.
The Tamil Nadu Travel Mart serves as a crucial platform to foster strategic partnerships, attract investments, and showcase the state’s cultural and natural treasures to a global audience. As industry leaders and policymakers continue to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence, Tamil Nadu’s tourism landscape is set for a transformative journey toward unprecedented success.
During the event, Ms Shilpa Prabhakar Satish, IAS, honoured Tourism India for its media partnership in promoting the event globally. Mr. Ravisankar KV. The Managing Editor of Tourism India Media group received the memento while Tamil Nadu Tourism also honoured Ms Cholan Tours as the logistics travel partner. GRT Hotels, Feathers Hotels, and Le Royal Meridien were also recognized for their outstanding support as hospitality partners.
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