Fri Sep 27 19:04:19 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu Focuses on Tourism Development, Celebrates World Tourism Day in Udhagamandalam
**UDHAGAMANDALAM, INDIA – September 27, 2024:** The Tamil Nadu government highlighted its commitment to developing the state’s tourism sector during World Tourism Day celebrations in Udhagamandalam, Nilgiris district.
The festivities kicked off with a procession organized by the Nilgiris Hotel and Restaurant Association (NHRA), attracting over 300 participants from the hospitality industry.
Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister K. Ramachandran emphasized the state’s dedication to boosting tourism, citing the theme of this year’s celebrations: “Tourism and Peace.” He stated that tourism is crucial to achieving Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s vision of transforming Tamil Nadu into a $1 trillion economy.
Recognizing the industry’s significant contribution (7%) to the state’s industrial economy, Mr. Ramachandran outlined the government’s plans to enhance over 300 tourist locations across Tamil Nadu, as detailed in the Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy 2023. He highlighted ongoing development works at various tourist spots and emphasized efforts to promote 12 diverse forms of tourism, including beach, medical, and rural tourism.
The Minister expressed confidence that improvements in lodging facilities, tourism infrastructure, and hospitality will attract more tourists and encourage extended stays in the state.
Further celebrations included a food court organized by the Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) and NHRA near the Government Botanical Garden (GBG). District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru inspected the floral arrangements prepared for the upcoming tourist season at the GBG.
The day also saw the launch of a “Bottles for Change” clean-up initiative at Doddabetta Peak, organized by Bisleri International Private Limited, the Nilgiris district administration, and JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research.
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