Madurai has ample potential for the growth of tourism industry. But the sector needs an added fillip, say public and tourism stakeholders.
“Madurai’s rich heritage has never been highlighted adequately. Digital boards featuring the city’s history and prominent heritage sites should be placed at major locations,” says P. Smiline, teacher in a private school.
She also insists that the city should be beautified. “Establishing more parks and maintaining them well will add to aesthetic beauty of the city,” Ms. Smiline suggests.
R. Narmatha, Assistant Professor of English, Fatima College, who was involved in the making of documentaries focusing on lesser known historic sites in Madurai, rues that not much is being done by the Department of Tourism to develop the industry here.
“There are several Jain caves in and around Madurai that are bereft of care. There are also several sites that are rich in historic and architectural value. They should be projected in the tourism map as well,” she says.
According to Ms. Narmatha, the Tourism Department should organise campaigns and sensitisation programmes involving the public.
“One of the major issues in Madurai is lack of cleanliness. Awareness should be created on that aspect,” she suggests.
“Heritage buildings could be converted into museums. During tourist season, the department should actively conduct events at historic sites to attract tourists,” she adds.
G. Vasudevan, former president of Travel Club and director of Fortune Pandiyan Hotel, says proper training should be given to auto rickshaw and taxi drivers.
“Many auto and taxi drivers fleece passengers. Concepts such as tourist-friendly autos did not work here because only a few such auto rickshaws were introduced,” he points out.
“Places such as Goripalayam mosque and St. George’s Church could also be promoted. Jain influence in Madurai and Tamil culture too requires promotion,” Mr. Vasudevan adds.
Special pathwayCreating a special pathway from Tirumalai Naicker palace to Puthumandapam will cover more than 10 historical sites and putting up signboards explaining their significance will be of great help to tourists, he notes.
“Touch screen kiosks could be installed at Mattuthavani bus stand, railway junction and airport to provide details of the events that are happening in the city and places to be seen,” he adds.
B.G. Musthafa, former president of Travel Club, says deploying “tourist-friendly police” at prominent tourist sites will be helpful. “The police should prevent auto and taxi drivers from exploiting tourists,” he adds.
K.P. Bharathi, programme leader of Dhan Tourism for Development, says Friends of Tourism Clubs should be established.
“Local tourism circuit should be promoted. Youths and others interested in guiding tourists should be identified, orientation should be given to them and they should be made Friends of Tourism,” he suggests.
