Expressnews
Madurai, September 2024: “Tamil Nadu stands as one of India’s most treasured tourism destinations, with its timeless heritage, vibrant culture, and unforgettable journeys. Madurai, known as the cultural heartbeat of Tamil Nadu, plays a pivotal role in showcasing this rich heritage. With its deep-rooted history, awe-inspiring temples, and captivating stories, Madurai serves as the perfect venue for the Tamil Nadu Travel Expo,” said Mr D Venkatesan, Regional Director, Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India at the inaugural session Tamil Nadu Travel Expo 2024 organised by Travel Club-Madurai, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), South India Hotels and Restaurants Association (SIHRA) with the support of Tamil Nadu Tourism Department and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in Madurai today.
“By engaging stakeholders from the travel and hospitality sectors, we are building a platform that not only highlights Tamil Nadu’s heritage but also explores new opportunities in tourism. From destination weddings and wellness tourism to adventure and medical tourism,” he added.
A website exclusive to Madurai District was launched at the Inaugural session which will soon be upgraded to include all the other districts of Tamil Nadu. One can click on www.travel2tamilnadu.com or call Helpline Number : 9500644898 for more details.
Mr Vikram Cotah, Chairman, CII Task Force Tourism said, “Tamil Nadu, as many of you know, is a state filled with extraordinary cultural and historical treasures. It’s a place where the past meets the present, and this is something I came to realize through my travels. While other parts of the world may boast monuments that are decades old, Tamil Nadu’s heritage spans centuries. Tamil Nadu is a place where every corner has a story waiting to be told, and I feel privileged to be here today, standing at the heart of this rich state—Madurai,”.
Mr Sounder Kannan, Chairman, CII Madurai Zone said, “Madurai has immense potential for growth. The city’s rich history, religious significance, and natural beauty make it a compelling destination for travelers. I believe that with continued efforts, we can transform Madurai into a thriving hub for tourism, much like how the Gift City was developed. The future holds great promise, and I am excited to see where this journey will take us,”.
“Tamil Nadu, as many of you know, is one of the leading tourism destinations in India, attracting an impressive 60 million domestic tourists and 4.5 million foreign tourists in 2023. With 34,000 temples, in addition to palaces, forts, heritage homes, and other stunning historical assets, it’s a state that boasts unparalleled cultural wealth. The aim is to showcase the state’s incredible assets, including four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We aim to redefine luxury, moving beyond opulence to focus on sustainability, wellness, and personalized experiences that are now shaping the future of travel. Tamil Nadu has the potential to offer all of this and more,” said Mr Raja Graham, President, Travel Club in his address.
The Hon Mayor of Madurai, Mrs V Indirani Ponvasanthand Mr Sundar Singaram, Director of Operations, SIHRA Thiru Dr G Vasudevan, Co-Convenor TTE, Executive Committee Member, South India Hotels and Restaurants Association also spoke at the event.
