CHENNAI: Rope-cars, cruise and ferry routes, AI-enabled tourist safety kiosks and dedicated security teams at major destinations — these are some of the initiatives planned by the Tamil Nadu govt to upgrade tourism infrastructure in the state and attract more visitors.Presenting the demands for grants in the assembly on Wednesday, minister for tourism S Rajesh Kumar announced 15 projects to strengthen tourism infrastructure, improve tourist safety and promote new tourism segments, with allocations for work in several districts.“Tamil Nadu recorded 30.80 crore domestic tourist arrivals in 2024, ranking second in the country. The number rose to 36.47 crore in 2025, marking significant growth. The ultimate objective is to make every tourist visiting Tamil Nadu feel like a guest and leave as an ambassador for the state. The govt will raise every tourism experience to global standards,” he said.The department will carry out a study to assess feasibility of developing tourism infrastructure on the R K Nagar beach. The department has proposed technical feasibility studies to the tune of Rs 2 crore for cruise and ferry tourism routes, including Chennai-Kovalam, Poompuhar-Tharangambadi-Nagapattinam and Rameswaram-Tuticorin-Kanyakumari.Tourism development work to the tune of Rs 48 crore will be undertaken in Kanyakumari, Tirupur, Krishnagiri and Erode districts. Another Rs 30 crore will be used for new tourism infrastructure, including pedestrian pathways, roads, sightseeing facilities, visitor amenities and food parks.Kanyakumari district will receive Rs 18 crore for tourism development work at several locations, including the coastal area, Thengapapattanam dam Colachel coastal area and Chitharal. Tourist safety is another focus area, with Rs 2 crore earmarked for AI-enabled CCTV cameras at important tourist destinations. Tourist security organisations will also be established at Ooty, Mamallapuram, Kanyakumari, Rameswaram and Kodaikanal. Training programmes to the tune Rs 1 crore will be provided for tourism guides, hotel workers, tourism entrepreneurs, travel agents and lifeguards.The department has proposed a Rs 60 lakh rural tourism project to promote rural development, handicrafts, cultural heritage, agri-based products, village tourism and special food varieties. A rope car project connecting important tourist destinations in Dindigul district and Kodaikanal with the foothills through Vellagavi will be taken forward after obtaining technical approval.Diesel boats operated by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation will be replaced with electric boats at a cost of Rs 17.82 crore to promote sustainable tourism. A Chennai MICE Promotion Bureau will be established to promote Chennai as India’s leading destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.
