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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
TN tourism clocks 5x rise in revenue
Chennai: From its 1,076-km coastline and misty hill stations like Ooty and Yercaud to heritage landmarks such as the Thanjavur Big Temple, Mamallapuram Shore Temple and the Keeladi Museum, Tamil Nadu has been showcasing its tourism wealth with remarkable results. The sector clocked a five-fold revenue jump as TTDC's earnings rose from 49.11 crore in 2020–21 to 243.31 crore in 2023–24, powered by a surge in both domestic and foreign arrivals. According to official data, foreign tourist arrivals in Tamil Nadu rose more than eight-fold from 0.14 million in 2022 to 1.17 million in 2023, while domestic numbers climbed from 218.58 million to 286 million during the same period. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai | Gold Rates Today in Chennai | Silver Rates Today in Chennai "Tamil Nadu's diverse offerings — from hill stations, historic temples and natural attractions to cultural celebrations such as jallikattu, the Indian Dance Festival at Mamallapuram, the International Balloon Festival and the International Kite Festival — continue to draw millions of visitors. New attractions such as the Keeladi Museum, a glass sea bridge at Kanyakumari, and world-class libraries, along with upgrades at Hogenakkal, Courtallam, Yercaud, Pichavaram and Dhanushkodi, have added to this surge," said tourism minister R Rajendran. The state's push has earned global recognition with awards from the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association, Outlook Traveller and UNESCO, while Keeladi and Melkalingampatti were named India's Best Tourism Villages in 2024. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors are going crazy for these comfy, stylish, easy-on shoes Ultra-Comfortable Shoes Undo The Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy 2023 and the successful hosting of the Medical Tourism Conference 2025 in Chennai have also provided fresh momentum. "Sports events like the International Chess Olympiad, hockey tournaments, the F4 street race and the recent surfing festival have positioned Chennai as a sports hub," said Sriharan Balan, managing director of Madura Travels. Yet, industry experts caution that Chennai's vast potential remains underutilized. "There is a dire lack of information about available infrastructure and little consistency in government programmes. TTDC hotels do not match the quality of private ones despite charging the same rates," said a retired tourism official. Others argue that the capital has stagnated. "The Egmore museum still offers the same activities we saw as schoolchildren, while the Kalaignar Centenary Museum has state-of-the-art features like a 5D show. Why not modernize Chennai's museum experience the same way," asked an industry expert. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
New Indian Express
30-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Three months on, project for amusement park at Tiruchy's Mukkombu a non-starter
TIRUCHY: Pointing to the state of neglect two parks near the Mukkombu barrage already are in, local residents and visitors express concern over the delay in implementation of a state government project announced in April this year that involves the conversion of the recreational facilities into an amusement park through public-private partnership (PPP). Mukkombu, a popular tourist spot in Tiruchy, is known for its two gushing rivers and recreational areas. It is a favourite weekend destination, especially for the middle class, drawing hundreds of visitors regularly. A recreational park near the barrage entrance across the Cauvery River lies neglected. Play structures like a toy train, swings, and see-saws are partially damaged, and the park lacks basic amenities, disappointing visitors. Another facility, Ellis Park, located between the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers, has remained closed for years. Benches, fountains, play areas, and statues are damaged and unusable. "With only a few picnic spots in Tiruchy like Mukkombu, Butterfly park, Rockfort, and the Birds park, the poor condition of these facilities leaves us with limited options," said C Jeevanantham, a resident. "As a local, Mukkombu is our best option because it's affordable and lets us enjoy a full day and a dip in the Cauvery. But now, only a small portion is usable. Ellis Park has nothing left to even call it a park," he added. In April this year, Tourism Minister R Rajendran announced in the Assembly that a theme park would be set up through a PPP model. However, no work has materialised, neither a new park nor restoration of the old ones, say the public. A Water Resources Department (WRD) official said their renovation proposal was redirected to the tourism department. 'It was said Rs 13 crore would be allocated, but there's been no visible progress,' the official told TNIE. Tourism department sources said they are awaiting a detailed plan from the government and are ready to implement it once entrusted.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mettur dam canals opened to cater to irrigation needs
Salem: The east and west bank canals connected to the Mettur dam were opened on Tuesday to meet irrigation requirements in Salem, Namakkal, and Erode districts. Tourism minister R Rajendran opened the sluice gates of the Stanley Reservoir, allowing water from the Cauvery river to flow out of the dam and into the canals. "In response to farmers' requests, chief minister M K Stalin had directed the water resources department (WRD) officials to open the west and east bank canals of the Mettur dam for irrigation purposes," the minister said. He added that approximately 45,000 acres of land would benefit, including 16,443 acres in Salem district, 11,327 acres in Namakkal district, and 17,230 acres in Erode district. "I urge the farmers in these three districts to utilise the Cauvery water released through the Mettur east and west bank canals judiciously," he said. Salem MP T M Selvaganapathy, Rajya Sabha MP SR Sivalingam, and collector R Brindha Devi, among others were present when the sluice gates were opened. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
New Indian Express
30-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Rope car project at Yelagiri gains steam, ministers pitch for more funds to boost tourism
TIRUPATTUR: Efforts are under way to complete the construction of a rope car at Yelagiri Hills by joining hands with a private organisation, Tourism Minister R Rajendran said on Sunday. He was speaking at the Kodai Vizha (Summer Festival), which returned this year after a gap of six years. The festival was inaugurated by Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports Minister E V Velu and Tourism Minister R Rajendran. Welfare measures worth Rs 1.33 crore were distributed to 37 beneficiaries on the occasion. Speaking at the event, Minister Velu said, 'Yelagiri is often called the 'Nilgiris of the poor'. While the real Nilgiris attracts tourists from other states and even abroad, Yelagiri remains a destination mainly for poor and ordinary people. I request the tourism minister to sanction substantial funds and projects — beyond just a rope car — to develop Yelagiri on par with the Nilgiris so that more tourists will visit.' He further noted that although the state government allocates funds for people-centric schemes, budgetary support for tourism remains limited. 'However, if you pursue this sincerely, central government projects through the Tourism Department can also be secured,' he added. The ministers also inaugurated a flower show at the nature park and a shop run by women's self-help groups at the boathouse. Athletes who secured the top three positions in various sporting events received awards and certificates. District Collector K Sivasoundaravalli presided over the function.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Mettur dam reaches its full capacity of 120ft
Salem: Mettur dam on Sunday reached its full capacity of 120feet with the inflow recorded at 58,324 cubic feet per second. To ensure dam's safety, water is being released downstream and into lakes. As the dam attained its full capacity, minister of tourism R Rajendran released water to the lakes from the Thippampatti Water Supply Station and through the 16 surplus vents directed downstream. While addressing reporters, the minister said chief minister M K Stalin instructed the diversion of surplus water to projects such as ponds, lakes, and Sarabanga to promote water conservation. "The Tamil Nadu government has initiated a project to supply water to dry lakes in the Sarabanga basin of Salem district through irrigation from the Mettur dam, with an estimated cost of Rs 673.88 crore," the minister said. He said under this initiative, when the Mettur dam reaches its full capacity of 120 feet, surplus water will be released to fill 82 lakes and ponds via the Thippampatti main irrigation station, Vellalapuram sub-irrigation station, and Kannanderi sub-irrigation station. "Currently, the work to supply water to 57 lakes has been completed," Rajendran noted, adding that through this project, 356 million cubic feet of water will be redirected, 3,364 acres of land will be irrigated, and drinking water will be supplied. This has resulted in the filling of 11 lakes managed by the water resources department, two municipal lakes, three township lakes, and 41 panchayat union lakes across 32 villages in the Mettur, Omalur, Edappadi, and Sankari taluks.
