A bonanza for globe-trotters

The 3rd edition of the fair organised by The Hindu, in association with the India Tourism and Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, opened on Saturday at the Chennai Trade Centre at Nandambakkam

India Tourism Regional Director (South) Sanjay Shreevats at ‘The Discover India World – Enchanting Tourism 2010' travel and tourism fair at the Chennai Trade Centre on Saturday.

For those who wish to explore lesser known tourist destinations, or seek solace in scenic landscapes; for those who want to unravel the secrets of the temples of South India, and for the intrepid shopper, ‘The Discover India World – Enchanting Tourism 2010'- a three-day travel and tourism fair - has a lot to offer.

The 3rd edition of the fair organised by The Hindu , in association with the India Tourism and Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, opened on Saturday at the Chennai Trade Centre at Nandambakkam here. Different tourism boards including those of Kerala, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, tour operators, resorts, and online travel promoters are participating in it.

Inaugurating the fair, Sanjay Shreevats, Regional Director (South), India Tourism said that since tourism is turning into a consumer-driven industry, there is a growing demand for theme-based tourism services. “Every tourist has a specific area of inclination, be it pleasure travel, historical trips or quest for spirituality. Tourism fairs of this kind help them strategise their love for travelling by planning their travel accordingly,” he added.

“Organising fairs such as this brings us closer to our readers and advertisers,” said V. Kalidas, Vice President, (Advertising),

The Hindu . The visitors will get a glimpse of various tourism services available and also avail themselves of the discounts offered at various stalls, he added. Tour operators such as Club7 Holidays would aid visitors in planning their travel to exotic destinations. The fair has special focus on spiritual tourism where travel coordinators provide information on places of religious importance. Also showcased at the exhibition are Poompuhar and Goa Handicrafts. The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. till Monday.