‘We Want To Showcase TN As A Conference Destination’

Shaktikanta Das, the recently appointed commissioner of tourism, Tamil Nadu, is clear that SKAL is a platform which will showcase both Tamil Nadu and the rest of the country. Says the Commissioner, “As the Congress is taking place in Tamil Nadu, we are promoting the state, but it is definitely a platform to showcase the rest of India as well. There is no contradiction or distinction between the two aims.” The Tamil Nadu tourism department has ensured that the Chennai Trade Centre is ready to seat the visiting delegates for conferences to be held at the venue. Meanwhile, the department has recently broadened its strategy in its promotional efforts for the state. In addition to the temple tours that are synonymous with tourism in Tamil Nadu, the board is promoting the niche tourist product of heritage tourism and is specifically emphasising the “hidden treasures” of Tamil Nadu as well. “We will focus on our core strengths and capitalise on that. We are not interested in imitation or replicating other places and strategies. The department is, of late, projecting the little known destinations in the state - those places that have not been in the limelight so far. There are several hidden treasures which have incredible tourism potential. They include Pitchavaram mangroves, Chettinadu Palaces, Navagraha circuit which has temples representing nine planets, and Valpara among other destinations,” said Das. He also pointed out that another prime strategy in promoting the state was that of showcasing Tamil Nadu as a conference destination.